Turkey Vulture

This is a large, dark flight feather from one of nature's most efficient soarers. The Turkey Vulture is a large bird with a 6-foot wingspan, identifiable in flight by its 'V' shaped dihedral wing position and unsteady rocking motion. They have unfeathered red heads as adults.

Uniformly dark brownish-black to charcoal gray on the dorsal surface. The ventral (underside) surface typically shows a lighter, silvery-gray sheen. The rachis is ivory to pale cream, contrasting sharply with the dark barbs.

Densely packed pennaceous barbs on the upper vanes for aerodynamic integrity; plumulaceous (downy) barbs at the very base for insulation. Vanes are interlocked but show some separation due to wear.

Relatively stiff and coarse compared to hawks; the surface is matte with a slightly oily/water-repellent feel. The leading edge is very rigid to prevent twisting during flight.

Large size, dramatic asymmetry, pale ivory rachis, and the distinctive silvery-gray tint on the underside barbs compared to the dark dorsal side.

Extremely versatile: found in open country, subtropical forests, shrublands, deserts, and foothills. Often seen roosting in large trees or on rocky outcrops near roadsides.

Common throughout the Americas, ranging from southern Canada to the southernmost tip of South America. Northern populations are highly migratory.

Scavenger; provides a vital 'cleanup' service by consuming carrion, which helps prevent the spread of diseases like anthrax and rabies in the environment.

Black Vulture (shorter, wider feathers with more white at the tips), Common Raven (completely black rachis), and Golden Eagle (larger, usually with some mottling or different taper).

Turkey Vultures have an extraordinary sense of smell, capable of detecting carcasses from miles away. They also use 'urohidrosis' (defecating on their legs) to cool down through evaporation.

Good to Fair condition. The feather shows 'weathering' and some separation of the barbs ('zip' loss) at the tip and trailing edge, common for molted feathers found on the ground.