Turkey Vulture

This is a large, dark flight feather from a bird known for its soaring flight and red, featherless head. Turkey Vultures have a wingspan of up to 6 feet and are easily identified in flight by their 'V' shaped dihedral wing position and tilting, unsteady soaring style. Their plumage is almost entirely dark brownish-black, which provides camouflage and protection from sun damage.

Overall dark brownish-black (sooty) on the dorsal surface. The ventral side (underside) typically shows a characteristic silvery-gray sheen on the vanes, contrasting with the dark rachis.

Densely pennaceous and tightly interlocked for aerodynamic efficiency; plumulaceous (downy) barbs are visible only at the very base near the calamus.

Stiff and fairly coarse texture; the surface has a matte to semi-glossy finish typical of birds that spend long hours soaring in high UV environments.

Extreme asymmetry of the vanes, large size (over 10 inches), uniform dark sooty color, and a thick, rigid rachis without the mottling seen in hawks or eagles.

Found in a wide variety of habitats including open country, woodlands, pastures, deserts, and roadsides; avoids dense, unbroken forests.

Common throughout the Americas, from southern Canada to the tip of South America. Northern populations are highly migratory, wintering in the southern US and further south.

Scavenger; they provide a vital ecosystem service by consuming carrion, which helps prevent the spread of diseases like anthrax and rabies.

Black Vulture (shorter, broader primaries with white patches at the base), Golden Eagle (usually shows mottling or paler bases), and Common Raven (smaller, different curvature).

Turkey Vultures have an extraordinary sense of smell, capable of detecting carcasses from miles away. They also practice urohidrosis, where they defecate on their legs to cool themselves through evaporation.

Good condition. The barbs are mostly intact, though there is some minor separation (splitting) on the trailing edge which is normal for a naturally molted feather.