Turkey Vulture

Cathartes aura

View on eBird
← Back to Species Gallery

About the Turkey Vulture

A large soaring scavenger with long wings and a red featherless head, often seen gliding effortlessly on rising air currents.

Fun Facts

  • Turkey Vultures have an incredible sense of smell, rare among birds.
  • Their featherless head helps keep them clean while feeding on carrion.
  • They soar with their wings held in a slight V shape called a dihedral.
  • By cleaning up dead animals, they play an important role in the ecosystem.