Turkey Vulture

A Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura) is a large scavenger bird found throughout the Americas. It is known for its remarkable sense of smell and its bald, reddish head that resembles that of a wild turkey, which is how it gets its name.

The Turkey Vulture is a large bird with brownish-black plumage. In flight, its wings appear silvery-gray underneath, and it holds them in a distinct V-shape, a posture known as a dihedral. They have a small, featherless red head, which is believed to help them stay clean while feeding on carrion.

Turkey Vultures are highly adaptable and can be found in a wide variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, deserts, and even suburban areas. They are obligate scavengers, meaning their diet consists almost exclusively of carrion (dead animals). Their incredibly keen sense of smell, which is rare among birds, allows them to locate carcasses from high in the air, often before other scavengers.

Turkey Vultures are often seen soaring in circles on rising thermal air currents. This behavior, called "kettling," helps them conserve energy while they search for food. They have a weak grip and are not known for killing live prey. Instead, they play a crucial role in the ecosystem by cleaning up carcasses, which helps prevent the spread of diseases.