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Turkey Vulture

Cathartes aura ORDER: CICONIIFORMES FAMILY: CATHARTIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

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Turkey Vulture Photo

© William L. Newton / CLO

Although it has an ugly, bare-skinned face, the Turkey Vulture is beautiful on the wing. Seldom does this graceful and talented bird flap its wings as it soars over large areas searching for carrion.

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Appearance

Hawklike
Hawklike
Typical Voice

Adult Description

  • Large soaring bird.
  • Long wings and tail.
  • Body feathers entirely blackish-brown.
  • Red head mostly unfeathered.

Immature Description

Juvenile has gray head with black beak tip.

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Turkey Vulture Range Map
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Field MarksHelp

  • Adult
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    Adult
    • © William L. Newton / CLO, Everglades, Florida

Similar Species

  • Black Vulture has white patch only at end of wings (outer primaries), has shorter wings, a short tail, a black head, does not soar with wings held up in a V, and flaps much more frequently.
  • Zone-tailed Hawk is amazingly similar in appearance at a distance, but has barred, not silvery flight feathers, a feathered head, a barred tail, and yellow feet and base of bill (cere).
  • Golden Eagle holds its wings up slightly in a dihedral, but does not tilt from side to side. Golden Eagle has a dark trailing edge to the silvery wing feathers, and shows mottling on the upper side of the wings.