Turkey Vulture (also known as Turkey Buzzard, Carrion Crow)
Kingdom: Animalia; Phylum: Chordata; Class: Aves; Order: Cathartiformes; Family: Cathartidae; Genus: Cathartes; Species: aura · Cathartidae (New World Vultures) · Flight feather (Remex); specifically a Secondary feather from the inner wing wing.
Species
Cathartes aura
Feather Type
Flight feather (Remex); specifically a Secondary feather from the inner wing wing.
Family
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
Shape
Broad and moderately asymmetrical with a rounded tip. The trailing vane is wider than the leading vane, typical of secondary flight feathers for lift generation.
Size
Approximately 9 to 11 inches in length. This falls within the typical range for secondary feathers of a large soaring raptor with a wingspan of 63–72 inches.
Rarity
Common; one of the most abundant large raptors in the Western Hemisphere.
Color & Pattern
Solid dark brownish-black to charcoal gray on the dorsal (upper) surface. The ventral (under) surface appears lighter and more silvery-gray due to the light-reflecting structure of the barbs, which creates the 'two-toned' wing look seen in flight.
Barb Structure
Densely interlocked pennaceous barbs on the majority of the vane for aerodynamic integrity, with a small plumulaceous (downy) section at the base of the calamus for insulation.
Texture & Surface
Relatively stiff and matte. Vultures lack the 'silky' softening seen in owls; the surface is somewhat coarse but smooth enough to provide laminar airflow.
Description
A magnificent soaring bird with a naked red head and dark plumage. In the air, they are identified by their 'dihedral' (V-shaped) wing position and their tendency to rock back and forth while riding thermals. This feather reflects their specialized anatomy for high-altitude soaring.
Key Features
The most diagnostic feature is the contrast between the dark vane and the light-colored (ivory/tan) rachis, combined with the silvery sheen on the underside of the barbs.
Habitat
Extremely versatile: found in open country, subtropical forests, shrublands, deserts, and foothills. They are frequently seen near roadsides and landfills.
Geographic Range
Widespread across the Americas, ranging from southern Canada to the southernmost tip of South America. Northern populations are migratory, wintering in the southern US and Central America.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. There is visible wear/fraying (notching) at the tip and along the edges, suggesting this was a naturally molted feather at the end of its life cycle. Some 'separation' of the barbs is present.
Interesting Facts
Turkey Vultures have an extraordinary sense of smell, capable of detecting the gases produced by decaying organic matter from miles away. Unlike many birds, they have a perforated septum (you can see through their nostrils).
Ecological Role
Scavenger/Decomposer. They provide a critical 'sanitation' service to the ecosystem by removing carcasses, which helps prevent the spread of diseases like anthrax and rabies.
Similar Species
Black Vulture (feathers are usually shorter/wider with darker rachis), Juvenile Bald Eagle (feathers often show white mottling/blotching), and Common Raven (feathers are glossier/ink-black with dark rachis).