Turkey Vulture
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The red face and large, dark feathered body make the Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura) easily recognizable.
They are new world vultures found perching or, with their six foot wing span, gliding on air currents year round in South America, Central America, Mexico and the Southeast United States. During spring many begin to migrate across the United States into Southern Canada.
Although they are communal nesters, turkey vultures are often solitary feeders, flying alone in search of ground based carrion. They possess an extraordinary sense of smell that enables them to find otherwise hidden food.
© 2009 Patricia A. Michaels