Turkey Vulture
Image: Isis I. Castro Alberto (cc-by)
NameTurkey Vulture
Common NameTurkey Vulture
Scientific NameCathartes aura
FamilyCathartidae
Wingspan (cm)170
Length (cm)70
Weight (g)1400
Plumage DetailsAdults have dark brown to black body plumage with a bare, wrinkled red head and neck. The underside of the flight feathers appears silvery-gray in flight, contrasting with the darker body. The bill is pale, hooked, and relatively short.
Vocalization / CallTurkey Vultures are largely silent, lacking a syrinx. They typically produce only hisses and grunts, especially when threatened or competing for food.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, grassland, desert, mountains, shrubland, agricultural land
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread throughout the Americas, breeding from southern Canada through the United States, Mexico, Central America, and much of South America.
Identifying FeaturesBare red head (in adults), Dark brown/black plumage, Pale, hooked bill, V-shaped dihedral flight profile, Teetering flight pattern, Silvery-gray undersides of flight feathers (in flight)
Description
The Turkey Vulture is a large scavenger with dark brown to black plumage and a distinctive bare, red head. It is known for its graceful soaring flight, often teetering on air currents as it searches for carrion.
