LILLY 

Species: Cathartes aura, Turkey Vulture   •   Hatch Year: 2008    •   Sex: Female   •   Disability: Human Imprint

Soon after her birth in 2008, Lilly became associated with people and thus became human imprinted. She was transferred to the American Foundation from Clinch River Rehab in Clinton, TN. Lilly is full of energy and constantly keeps the AEF staff on their toes! She is one of the most intelligent birds we have and is in training to hopefully join the Wings of America team with her impressive flight.

ABOUT THIS SPECIES

Vultures often build their nests on the ground, and as one of the most intelligent and curious raptors in America, chicks like to explore their surroundings. Vultures can be found hovering above farmlands, forests, plains, and roadways searching and scavenging for dead animals (and sometimes vegetation) to dine on. Many people think that Vultures are ugly, but they are actually very beautiful and graceful when soaring through the sky!

Vultures do not have a voice box like other raptors. A hissing or grunting sound is the only vocal noise a vulture will make. In addition to hissing, a vulture will sometimes throw up on a potential threat, a defense mechanism called ‘projectile vomiting.’