Here’s an example of how intimidating these large birds can appear to someone who doesn’t know any better. They’ll open their wings to show how big they are, and dive nearby as if to protest your presence, but I’ve never felt in danger of attack. In fact, I’ve never been touched by a Vulture, something I couldn’t say about much smaller Northern Mockingbirds, that have attacked and made contact with me many times in defense of their nests and territories. As for the mouth opening gesture, I don’t think it’s defensive or threatening in nature despite it’s scary appearance.
To see more of my photos go to https://1lyrick.pixieset.com/birds/
