Why Do Buzzards Throw Up?
Buzzards, or vultures, in North America use an unusual form of self-defense to escape their enemies---vomit. Though they don't actually projectile vomit, as many people think, this vomit does indeed drive predators away.
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Buzzard Defined
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Though in Europe the word "buzzard" refers to members of the hawk family, in North America the word "buzzard" refers to vultures, especially the turkey vulture.
Characteristics
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Turkey vultures, or buzzards, are not raptors; though their beaks are designed to rip flesh, their feet cannot grasp and carry prey. They are not hunting birds, which gives them a gentle demeanor overall.
Flight
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The turkey vulture can glide on thermals for hours. However, it is ungainly when taking off in flight, especially after ingesting a large meal.
Self-Defense
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When threatened by a predator, the turkey vulture's only mode of self-defense is to vomit or fly away. Sometimes the bird has to use both of these methods
Why Vomiting Works for Flying Away
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If a turkey vulture has eaten a large meal and is being pursued by a predator, it will have a difficult time escaping because the food has added extra weight to its body. Vomiting not only removes body weight, but it also distracts the predator, who usually decides to eat the undigested meat.
Why Vomiting Works for Self-Defense
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If a turkey vulture is threatened by a predator and has not eaten recently, it will vomit foul-smelling, half-digested meat that burns the predator's eyes and face when the animal gets to close. This is enough to scare most predators away.
References
Comments
- Photo Credit U.S. Geological Survey Department of the Interior/USGS U.S. Geological Survey/photo by Tracy Enrigh
