Scavengers
Bruce Tuck | Swan Lake Bird Facts
January 2026
When we think of scavengers in the animal kingdom, hyenas may come to mind. In the birding world it is likely the Turkey Vulture. Scavengers are animals that feed on dead organic matter (carrion) or waste. Some rely exclusively on scavenging while others only scavenge when needed.
In any case, they play a very important role in the ecosystem by reducing the amount of decaying material, thereby minimizing the spread of disease. As a key member of the food web, scavengers help return nutrients to the earth and prevent buildup of organic waste. This concept is commonly known as “The Circle of Life.”
Turkey vulture (Cathartes aura)
Turkey vulture (Cathartes aura)
Turkey vultures are quite common in our area and can often be seen soaring high above open fields and shorelines. They have an excellent sense of smell which they use to identify possible sources of food. Turkey vultures rely exclusively on carrion and prefer dead mammals, however, will expand their diet when necessary.
Their characteristic red featherless head has a very specific purpose. While they have excellent immune systems, the absence of feathers helps keep them clean and free of disease.
Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)
Red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)
Bald eagles and Red-tailed hawks are commonly seen hunting for live prey, but both rely on scavenging, especially in the winter when food is scarcer. Unfortunately, landfills attract many birds of prey where human garbage may not be the healthiest source of food.
Glaucous-winged gull (Larus glaucescens)
Common raven (Corvus corax)
Gulls, crows and ravens often rely on scavenging from a variety of sources. While carrion makes up only a small percentage of the diet of crows, human garbage is much more important.
Gulls are opportunistic feeders and play a very important role locally during salmon spawning season. In the late fall, salmon start heading up the Goldstream River and others to spawn. After spawning, they die and become a vital food source for various species of gulls. In turn, gulls process the nutrients and return them to the river which contributes to the overall health of the ecosystem.
Photo and Text Credit: Bruce Tuck | @BirdsInMyView
Submit your bird questions to visit@swanlake.bc.ca for a chance to have Bruce respond!
info@swanlake.bc.ca
Office Hours:
Mon - Fri: 9:00am – 4:00pm
3873 Swan Lake Road,
Victoria, BC, V8X 3W1
swanlake.bc.ca
We acknowledge the lək ̓ʷəŋən-speaking (Songhees and Kosapsum) Peoples on whose territory the Nature Sanctuary stands, and the lək ̓ʷəŋən and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day.
We respect the vital relationships of First Peoples with these lands and waters for countless generations. We are honoured to receive Indigenous guidance and welcome collaboration in stewardship and appreciation of the Nature Sanctuary.
