Click on the Turkey Vulture to view a larger image. |
DISTINGUISHING MARKS
26-32” (65-80 cm). Nearly eagle-sized (spreads 6 ft.). Overhead, note the great two-toned blackish wings (flight feathers paler). Soars with wings in a dihedral (a shallow V); rocks and tilts unsteadily. At close range the small naked red head of the adult is evident; immature birds have blackish heads,
DISTRIBUTION
Southern Canada to Cape Horn. Migratory in North.
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HABITAT
Usually seen soaring in the sky or perched on dead trees, posts, carrion, or on the ground.
POINT OF INTEREST
Similar species: 1. Zone-tailed Hawk, which “mimics” the Turkey Vulture; 2. the Black Vulture and 3. Eagles, which have larger heads, shorter tails and soar in a flat plane. |
