One of the most reviled species of birds has got to be vultures. When I go for my morning walks, it’s not unusual for me to see them—either flying in circles above me or observantly sitting on a lamppost or feasting on some dead animal in the gutter. I don’t know whether it’s a cultural influence that makes me cringe when I see their featherless heads, beady eyes, and curved beaks, or if I would feel the same about them even if their public image were less negative.

But now I’m working with some new information about vultures that has changed how I think of them. I went to a bird show recently where I learned that they are among the most intelligent birds. They are good at problem-solving, and they have strong eyesight and a keen sense of smell. The bird handlers repeatedly sent their “show birds” into the open-air auditorium to retrieve items on command. Those trained vultures might not have been the prettiest birds in the show but their performance was impressive.

I often find it interesting to learn the names of groups of animals (a murder of crows, a memory of elephants, a blot of hippos, a parliament of owls), and the names for vulture groups don’t disappoint. For example, you could call a flock of vultures: a cast or a colony, a vortex or a volt. According to birdfact.com, “The term or name for a group of vultures varies depending on where they are, although the generic term is a flock. When they are flying in formation, they are referred to as a kettle. When they are resting in a tree or on the ground, vultures are called a committee, and whilst feeding, they are known as a wake.” Apparently, the term “a kettle of vultures” refers to how they look as they fly in a circle, scouting and sniffing the ground below for something to eat. The circling motion looks like the whirlpool movement of a pot of boiling water.

Vultures are very social creatures with flocks that can number up to 300 birds, although they are most often comprised of about ten birds. They are good at sharing, taking turns eating a dead animal and even letting other species join them for the meal. Black vultures and Turkey vultures mate for life, and the couples spend time together year-round, not just during mating season.

There is so much to learn from the animal world around us and not just so we can know random facts for the next trivia night. Looking at vultures, I see examples of community that we should be replicating in the human world. They share. They stick together. They don’t seem to be swayed by physical beauty. (Okay, I’ll admit that last one was a stretch. I’m sure vultures probably look beautiful to each other.) They also serve a very valuable function. Vultures are equipped with strong stomach acids that destroy diseases that are found in the stinky, rotting carcasses. With this super gastronomical power, they can happily dispose of the things which the rest of us cross streets to avoid.

Vultures reminds us that everyone is made with valuable skills that can be used for service to others. As Dr. King said, “No work is insignificant. All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.” So in the nicest way possible, I say, “Fly way, you kettle of vultures! Do your thing to make the world better!”