• East view from Crissy Field overlook with old Coast Guard station on left and city on right

    Presidio of San Francisco

    California

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    The Presidio Coastal Trail segment just north of the Pacific Overlook and adjacent to Lincoln Blvd remains CLOSED indefinitely. We have posted signage to alert bicyclists and hikers and with information for safe trail alternatives. More »

Turkey Vulture

(Cathartes aura)
 
Turkey Vulture
A Turkey Vulture above Inspiration Point.
Will Elder, NPS
 

Natural History: The Turkey Vulture eats carrion of all sizes. It finds dead animals by both sight and scent. This communal roosting bird is not known to breed in the Presidio.

General Distribution: This bird is found throughout the Presidio, often soaring above the forest or more open lands.

Frequency: This species is moderately common throughout the year in the Presidio.

Identifying Characteristics: This very large bird, when seen from below, has dark, two-tone wings with silver-gray flight feathers and black leading edges. The head is bald and red, and the beak is white. Its nature is to soar with seldom a flap of the wings.

Presidio Birds main page

Did You Know?

U.S. Army major rank insignia

In 1915, a tragic fire at the Presidio  claimed the lives of General Pershing’s wife and his three daughters.  Pershing's son, Francis Warren, survived the blaze and chose to enlist in the army as a private during World War II.  By the end of the war he had achieved the rank of major.