Turkey Vulture
Turkey Vulture
100
15 hours ago
Points:
100
Spotted by
A common and widespread New World vulture, found across the Americas, characterized by its dark plumage, bare red head (adults), and distinctive teetering flight.
Where to spot
Open country, forests, agricultural fields, and urban areas throughout the Americas, from Canada south to Argentina and Chile.
How to spot
Look for its dark plumage, bare red head (adults), and its characteristic V-shaped wing posture (dihedral) while soaring, often teetering back and forth.
When to spot
Year-round in southern parts, migratory in northern parts. Easily observed during daylight hours, especially soaring high in the sky.
Where to spot
Open country, forests, agricultural fields, and urban areas throughout the Americas, from Canada south to Argentina and Chile.
How to spot
Look for its dark plumage, bare red head (adults), and its characteristic V-shaped wing posture (dihedral) while soaring, often teetering back and forth.
When to spot
Year-round in southern parts, migratory in northern parts. Easily observed during daylight hours, especially soaring high in the sky.
The Turkey Vulture has an exceptionally keen sense of smell, allowing it to locate carrion from miles away, often by detecting the scent of mercaptan gas released by decaying flesh.