The turkey vulture is a well adapted bird, not only found in the tropical rainforest but also in other habitats.

Whenever people think of vultures, they instantaneously think of savannas. Yes, vultures do inhabit the savannas and there is no doubt about that, but what many do not know is that vultures also soar over the rainforest. The vultures that inhabit the tropical rainforest fall under the category of New World vultures. This together with the Andean condor, belong to the family Cathartidae whereas, the African vultures belong to the family Accipitridae. Members of both families look the same, partly due to their similar lifestyle. For example they all are bald headed, as it is much convenient since their heads gets all messy when prying into flesh.

The turkey vulture is seen many times soaring over the Amazon rainforest even though it is not an exclusive inhabitant of the tropical rainforest. This species of vulture also range from Southern Canada to Tierra del Fuego and even Falkland islands. The turkey vulture has an own characteristic way of flying, which is to raise its wing slightly at an angle and body tilting from side to side. This vulture like any other vulture is a huge bird measuring 25 to 32 inches long. Everyday, it waits for the air to warm up so that there will be enough air current to help it soar smoothly. Most birds are not able to smell, however, the turkey vulture has a sector in the brain to register a sense of smell. In fact, their sense of smell is so good; it is able to detect the presence of a carcass even before it actually starts to rot.

The black vulture also an inhabitant of the tropical rainforest can be found in Suriname. It is a large black bird with a bald black head. It can be found near mangrove swamps and waste storages. This vulture also like the remains of coconuts that can be found in Coronie. They will often soar in large groups and come down at high velocity when food is spotted. During wet days, they are often seen spreading their wings under the sun. The vultures are not eaten by the people of Suriname because they smell bad.

The most spectacular of all Amazonian vultures and attractive of all the New World vultures, is the King Vulture. The head is patterned with orange and yellow bare skin and wattles, with black hair like feathers. Its plumage is white except for the black collar of feather around its neck, the tail and broad band at the rear wing. Once it spots turkey vultures swooping down towards a carcass, it too will join in. The king vulture is much bigger and stronger, and this gives it an advantage, being able to push away the other vultures and have their meals first. It has a good eyesight and sense of smell to assist it in the finding of food. Its beak is sharp and curved for the purpose of tearing meat. They often regurtitate when startled to lighten the load before flying off, and also to drive away enemies by the awful smell.

The King Vulture may be a big shot among vultures, but the true king of birds of the amazon forest is still the harpy eagle. It is the largest eagle and probably the most powerful of birds. The legs of the harpy eagle is the heaviest and stoutest of the birds of prey. The toes may be as long as 9 inches. The wings of the harpy eagle are rounded and broad. It is agile in flight and able to manuever effectively among the foliage. It has a long tail and a two-part chest. The females are larger than the males and hunt bigger preys as well. Harpy eagles are strong enough to feed on large mammals such as monkeys and sloths. Reptiles and other birds are also part of their diet. Males and females do not share hunting territories, unless it is the breeding season, where the male hunts while the female nests. The nests are built on the tops of the tallest trees. The young remain close to the nest for about a year. Harpy eagles usually breed once in every three years.

Another amazing eagle is the Philippine monkey-eating eagle. It is an immense bird that likes to feed on monkeys. It stands over 3 feet tall and can weigh over 4kg. Its beak is large, sharp and curved. The headdress of spiky feathers gives it a majestic look. This bird is found exclusively in the larger islands of the Philippines. The Philippine eagle, like many other birds of prey seize their victim with their taloned feet and tear the meat with their sharp beaks. Its diet consists of monkeys, flying lemurs, small deer and large birds. It is well adapted to living in the tropical rainforest. Its short, broad wings like the harpy’s allows it to maneuver its movement easily and quickly through the branches. Unfortunately, the Philippine eagle is almost extinct with less than two hundred left.