Vultures
Vultures are often demonized because of their frightening appearance, intimidating wing span and the inappropriate habit of only showing up when there's a dead carcass lying around, but they're completely harmless — as long as you're alive and kicking.
These scavengers have sharp beaks and razor-like talons, but they don't use these tools to kill prey. These birds are among the largest flying animals in the world. Watching a vulture soar above the world's mighty canyons can be a truly majestic experience.
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Turkey vultures are not predatory. They are not capable of tearing into fresh flesh with their weak talons and beak, and are only able to eat decomposed flesh. (and one of the few birds thought to have a sense of smell.) Among ornithologists there is some debate as to whether they should even be considered raptors, because they lack those characteristics of birds of prey which include strong feet. In fact the term raptor comes from raper- "to seize". It's possible that a golden eagle could.... More
Some species of vultures are predatorial, i.e. Turkey Vultures. Living in western montana I've born witness to the annual migration of a flock of turkey vultures moving through the bitterroot valley. I as well as several other people have seen these birds take down deer as well as smaller farm animals such as foals, calves and goats.
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