The turkey vulture winters mainly in Central and South America. A few individuals may overwinter in southwestern B.C., but this is exceedingly rare. Spring migrants move in small flocks and arrive in B.C. in late March and April. Turkey vultures are most visible, however, during the autumn migration when flocks build up at staging areas. It is possible that the entire coastal population stages there before flying southward across the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Interior movements are much smaller and more subtle.
The turkey vulture nests primarily in caves, or crevices in cliffs, bluffs and rockslides, and is very sensitive to disturbance at the nest site. Tall conifers on or near staging areas are important roost sites. Selected references Brown, W.H. 1976. Winter population trends in black and turkey vultures. Coleman, J.S. and J.D. Fraser.