Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and while lovebirds, doves, and cardinals might dominate your romantic imagination, let’s take a moment to appreciate one of nature’s most underrated love icons: the Turkey Vulture. That’s right—these quirky, misunderstood birds are all about love and devotion.
Until Death Do Us Part
With their wrinkly red heads and striking six-foot wingspans, Turkey Vultures might not win a beauty contest, but when it comes to romance, they’re practically Shakespearean. Why? Because Turkey Vultures are monogamous, sticking with one mate for life. That’s right—these lovebirds (or love-vultures) make beavers, gibbons, and even bald eagles look like commitment-phobes.
Romantic Rituals: Wooing the Vulture Way
When a Turkey Vulture falls for another, they go all out to prove their love. Their courtship dance is a sight to behold: circling gracefully in the air, hopping with partially spread wings on the ground, and gliding close to their partner in synchronized flight. It’s the avian version of a slow dance under the stars—just with more feathers.
Once the pair seals the deal, they build a nest together, sharing responsibilities like true partners. Both mom and dad take turns sitting on the eggs during the 38–41 day incubation period, ensuring their future family is well-cared for. And when those hatchlings finally emerge, the teamwork doesn’t stop.
Feeding their young is a joint effort, though it’s not exactly a candlelit dinner. Turkey Vultures regurgitate food for their chicks, sharing the spoils of their hunt, which often includes small animals and even large carcasses. It’s messy, sure—but it’s pure love.
Love That Gives Back: Vultures as Nature’s Clean-Up Crew
Turkey Vultures aren’t just romantic; they’re also essential to the ecosystem. With stomachs strong enough to digest disease-ridden carcasses, these birds play a vital role in preventing the spread of bacteria and illness. Their dedication to cleaning up nature mirrors their devotion to their families—selfless, tireless, and endlessly loyal.
Celebrate Vulture Love This Valentine’s Day
In honor of the Turkey Vulture’s undying love, we’ve created a line of hand-crafted wooden Turkey Vulture Valentine’s Day cards. Each card is unique, just like your love, and is the perfect way to tell someone special how much they mean to you.
But there’s more: a portion of every purchase goes to support injured birds of prey at Christine’s Critters in Connecticut. By buying a card, you’re not only celebrating love—you’re giving back to these beautiful creatures that play a vital role in our world.
So, why not celebrate the quirky, committed, and surprisingly romantic Turkey Vulture this Valentine’s Day? Share their story, embrace their unique charm, and send someone special a Turkey Vulture Valentine. Because nothing says “I’m committed to you for life” quite like a bird that’s mastered true love.
Shop our unique vulture valentines today and help spread the love (and support some feathered friends)!