Turkey Vulture
Cathartes aura
Family Cathartidae

The turkey vulture, a common sight by highways, is instantly recognizable by its 6-foot wingspan and tendency to circle an area in groups.

Identifying Traits (both sexes):

• Body very dark brown, nearly black
• Bald, pink head
• Sharp, whitish, hook-tipped bill
• Reddish-pink legs and feet
• Wings two-toned from below – dark inner wings, paler outer wings
• Glides for long periods without flapping
• Holds wings in a slight upturned dihedral
• Juvenile: Head and legs grayish rather than pink.
• Size: 80 cm (32”)
• Weight: 2.3 kg  (5.0 lbs)

Voice: Turkey vultures are almost entirely mute.  When nesting or feeding, they may issue a small range of hisses and grunts.

Habitat: Turkey vultures prefer open areas with high perches and plentiful updrafts.  They are most often seen by roadsides or cliffs.

Range: The turkey vulture is a year-round resident of most of the United States from New Jersey south, but it is common in New England during spring, summer, and early fall.

Interesting Facts: Although their vision (like that of most raptors) is good, turkey vultures have a truly prodigious sense of smell.  They can detect the odor of rotting meat in the air at concentrations of only a few parts per trillion.