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Platte River Status: A fairly common migrant and local summer resident in the western half of the Platte River Valley. Tout (1947) recorded turkey vulture only as a migrant in Lincoln County, present 27 April to 18 May, and 2 August to 10 September. Rosche (1979) found turkey vulture in the lower North Platte River Valley during 12 April to 3 October, but provided no nest records for the area.

Breeding Range: An uncommon and local summer resident in the Platte River Valley west from Phelps County, and on the Dissected Plain of southern Lincoln County.

Breeding Population: The population in 1979-1980 was estimated at 30 breeding pairs.

Habitat: We recorded a mean density of <0.2 pairs per km² in alfalfa. This observation is an artifact of the sampling technique used for the study rather than an indication of habitat preference for nesting. Nests of turkey vulture are usually located on cliffs or ledges associated with brushy woodlands overlooking open grasslands. Stewart (1975) described turkey vulture in North Dakota as a wide-ranging species characteristic of habitat complexes that include brushy woodlands intermingling with or adjoining open expanses of prairie or cropland.

Effect of Habitat Alteration: Turkey vulture has benefited from encroachment of wooded vegetation in the study area, as indicated by its use of edge habitat bordering brushy or slightly open woodlands. The presence of numerous roads and highways has benefited this species by providing an abundant source of road- killed animals for a food source.

Nesting Data: We have no confirmed records of nests or eggs from the study area. Rapp (1954b) indicated that 1-4 records exist for Adams and Lincoln counties, but he described no nests or locations. One active nest in Nebraska was found on 18 May, with hatching about 13 June. Fledging dates range from 12-20 August (Mossman and Brogie 1983). Egg dates in western Kansas extend from late April to late May (Rising 1974).