(Undated) -- Migrating turkey vultures have returned to Iowa, after spending the winter in Mexico. Ecologist Anna Buckhardt of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources says the turkey vulture is sort of an avian garbage disposal, providing a key role in the environment by consuming dead animals.
They are not known for their good looks, in fact, quite the opposite. "Not having feathers on their head, although not attractive, is really keeping them healthy, safe and clean," says Buckhardt. Bald is better for these birds, as they clean up what nature leaves behind.
She says the turkey vultures are good at finding safe nesting areas, and typically have a brood of one-to-three. She also says when you see a flock of them in a field, they are likely there because they are feasting on something.
The turkey vulture has a keen sense of smell, and can detect dead animals more than a mile away.