Turkey Vultures Migrate Through California

Thousands of vultures are soaring south from British Columbia toward Mexico for the winter.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Bird Watching

Turkey Vultures Migrate Through California

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Thousands of turkey vultures are currently migrating through California as they travel from British Columbia to Mexico. The birds navigate along the Sierra Nevada mountain range to conserve energy.

Why it matters

The annual migration allows turkey vultures to move between northern and southern regions while relying on natural wind currents. By avoiding active flight, these birds successfully travel thousands of miles to reach their seasonal destination.

Migrating vultures travel an average of 100 miles per day, with individual groups known as kettles containing between 100 and 200 birds. The entire journey typically lasts between several weeks and a month and a half.

The details

Vultures utilize rocky, south-facing slopes to find thermal air currents, forming large groups called kettles to ascend before gliding to the next thermal. While they consume carrion as part of their lifecycle, the birds do not feed during this long-distance migratory journey.

Fall: The annual migration begins.
Daily at 10:00 AM: Vultures emerge from their roosts to begin soaring.

Culture Shift

Turkey vultures represent a vital component of the Pacific Flyway migratory route that connects northern and southern ecosystems. Their movement highlights the reliance on consistent environmental conditions and geography for long-distance travel.

Residents in the Sierra Nevada and Sacramento regions may notice large, soaring groups of vultures as the birds utilize local thermals throughout the fall. Observing these kettles is best done in the morning when the birds leave their roosts to catch rising air.

The takeaway

Turkey vultures rely on specialized thermal currents to minimize energy expenditure while traveling across the continent. Observing these birds in flight provides a unique look at how animals utilize natural features to survive long-distance seasonal shifts.