Predation on Turkey Vultures (Cathartes aura): A New Observation and Review

Central American boa constrictor killing and consuming an adult Turkey Vulture in Toledo District, Belize. (A) The boa is coiled around the thorax and abdomen of the vulture, exerting pressure on internal organs by constricting body loops; the vulture is experiencing respiratory distress, but continues to struggle. (B) After a prolonged struggle, the vulture becomes limp and unresponsive as the boa continues contracting its body loops; death of the vulture quickly follows. (C) The boa drags the dead vulture to a nearby banana clump and begins to swallow the carcass headfirst. (D) After 30 min, the boa has ingested about half of the vulture. Photographs by Heather A. Barrett (A) and Leonardo Ash (B–D).