WhenToBird

2 vulture species in Ohio

When Do Vultures Arrive in Ohio?

Adult Turkey Vulture
Photo: Andrew Murray, CC BY 4.0 via iNaturalist

Turkey Vultures reach Ohio in the second week of February, are common by early March, peak in the second week of April (43% of checklists), and most are gone by early November. They are by far the most reported vultures in Ohio.

When to look

First arrivalsFeb 8-14the second week of February
Common byMar 1-7early March
PeakApr 8-14the second week of April
Most gone byNov 1-7early November

Best: the second week of April. First arrivals the second week of February; most are gone by early November. Peak: on about 43% of Ohio checklists.

  1. Janrare
  2. Febuncommon
  3. Marpeak season
  4. Aprpeak season
  5. Maypeak season
  6. Junpeak season
  7. Julcommon
  8. Augpeak season
  9. Seppeak season
  10. Octpeak season
  11. Novcommon
  12. Decrare

Darker months: more checklists report it. Outlined: peak month.

Vultures in Ohio, species by species

SpeciesFirst arrivalsCommon byPeakMost gone byPeak %
Turkey VultureFeb 8-14Mar 1-7Apr 8-14Nov 1-743%
Black Vultureall year–Oct 15-21–3.5%
0%20%40%60%Turkey VultureBlack VultureJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
  • Turkey Vulture
  • Black Vulture
Share of complete checklists reporting each species, by week (4 per month). Gaps: fewer than 10 checklists that week.

Frequency is the share of complete checklists in Ohio that listed the bird, 2016–2025. It is not a head count, and it follows where and when people go birding. How to read it.

Where in Ohio

Best counties for Turkey Vulture

Share of checklists at the peak
  1. Shelby CountyBest the second week of October · 28 checklists that week, 1,659 in all80%
  2. Hardin CountyBest late April · 210 checklists that week, 4,583 in all70%
  3. Huron CountyBest mid August · 24 checklists that week, 3,141 in all68%
  4. Pickaway CountyBest the second week of October · 104 checklists that week, 6,348 in all67%
  5. Paulding CountyBest mid April · 34 checklists that week, 1,653 in all66%
  6. Coshocton CountyBest mid March · 61 checklists that week, 2,932 in all66%

Common questions

When do vultures arrive in Ohio?
Turkey Vultures reach Ohio in the second week of February, are common by early March, peak in the second week of April (43% of checklists), and most are gone by early November. They are by far the most reported vultures in Ohio.
When do vultures leave Ohio?
Most Turkey Vultures have left Ohio by early November, when reports fall below half their usual rate. Stragglers are still reported until late November.
When is the best time to see vultures in Ohio?
The Turkey Vulture is reported most often in the second week of April, on about 43% of Ohio checklists.
Which vultures are in Ohio?
Turkey Vulture and Black Vulture are reported regularly; the Turkey Vulture is the most common.