Turkey Vulture 
399 
Buzzard 
Roosts 
was much startled when a beef bone fell down the chimney and rolled 
out on the hearth. Going outside she discovered a Turkey Buzzard 
peering down the chimney in quest of his prize. These perches, by 
the way, are often occupied by Buzzards who expand their wings 
and stand in the smoke undoubtedly enjoying the heat that comes from 
below. On two occasions I have seen these birds take such positions 
when their feathers were cemented together by sleet that had 
recently fallen. To a limited extent our southern Vultures feed on 
living animals. Newly born pigs are killed by them and in some of 
the fird-colonies guarded by the National Association of Audubon So- 
cieties young Herons and Ibises are often eaten. 
There has been much discussion throughout the years as to whether 
the Turkey Vulture finds its food by sight or by the sense of smell. 
Various experiments have been undertaken with a view of determining 
this fact. It is today a generally accepted theory that the eye of the 
Vulture alone leads it to its prey. 
Although Turkey Vultures hunt singly, a flock of them quickly collects 
when food in quantity becomes available. Over the coveted carcass 
they flop and hiss and even fight in a bloodless 
sort of way. Aside from this hissing and an 
occasional low grunt the birds appear to be voice- 
less. Although in no sense gregarious by day, except when the com- 
mon interest of food discovered brings them together, Turkey Buz- 
zards dearly love to come together at night and there are many 
“Buzzard roosts” throughout the length and breadth of the land. For 
long years the favorite spots are thus occupied by all the Buzzards in the 
section. Sometimes these roosts consist merely of a small group of 
dead trees in the woods or an unfrequented field, but more often they 
are deep in some swamp, where intrusion by human disturbers is not 
probable. 
Along the coasts of South Carolina and Georgia there are extensive 
salt marshes. Through these are scattered little islands densely covered 
with growths of deciduous trees, yuccas and vines. Some of these are 
famous Buzzard roosts and old men of the country will tell you that 
the birds have been coming there every night for a long time. 
The nesting place of the Turkey Buzzard is usually a hollow log 
lying in the woods or swamp. As a rule no attempt at nest-building is 
made, the eggs being deposited on the rotten wood or leaves that 
may have blown in through the opening. Hollow stumps are frequently 
chosen as the proper home for the young. I have found the eggs of 
these birds on a level with the ground in the hollow snag of an old 
tree, the entrance to which was at the top, fourteen feet above. Rarely 
nests have been reported in deserted cabins in the woods or in old 
hog pens. 
In the little limestone caves, or “sink-holes,” of Central Florida 
many Buzzards^ nests may be found. 
When one approaches the nest of a Turkey Vulture in the woods 
the bird usually flies away, but seldom is there a chance for one to 
escape from a sink-hole, as the intruder is usually at the entrance before 
she learns of his presence. I have gone down in a number of these 
caves and have found the old Buzzards sitting on their nests. On such 
occasions the bird made no effort to escape, nor showed any disposition 
