Turkey Vulture (also known as Turkey Buzzard, Carrion Crow)

This is a large, dark flight feather from a Turkey Vulture, a bird famous for its red-skinned head and incredible soaring ability. The bird itself is large with a 6-foot wingspan, charcoal-brown plumage, and a distinctive 'V' (teetering) flight profile.

The dorsal (upper) surface is a uniform deep espresso brown to brownish-black. The ventral (under) surface typically appears much lighter and more silvery-gray in life, which creates the 'two-toned' wing look in flight. The rachis is dark.

Pennaceous and tightly interlocked throughout the majority of the vane for aerodynamic integrity, transitioning to plumulaceous (downy) at the very base of the calamus. The barbs are coarse and resilient.

The surface is relatively matte with a slight oily sheen for water repellency. It feels stiff and somewhat coarse to the touch compared to the soft feathers of owls or the slick feathers of waterfowl.

Large size, uniform dark brown coloration, secondary feather asymmetry, and a thick dark rachis. Lack of banding or spots distinguishes it from most hawk species.

Extremely versatile; found in open areas, forests, grasslands, deserts, and suburban environments. They require open areas for foraging and trees or cliffs for communal roosting.

Widespread throughout 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.

A vital scavenger (obligate necrophage) that provides the 'sanitary service' of removing carcasses from the environment, which helps prevent the spread of diseases like anthrax and rabies.

Black Vulture (feathers are shorter and more primary-focused), Golden Eagle (typically larger with different base coloring), and dark-morph Red-tailed Hawks (usually show some faint banding).

Turkey Vultures have one of the most sophisticated olfactory systems in the avian world, capable of smelling carrion from miles away. They also practice urohidrosis—defecating on their legs to cool down through evaporation.

Good to Fair. There is visible wear and slight separation of the barbs ('heavily notched' look) along the margin, likely from natural use or the stress of the molt. Some dirt is visible on the vane.