Turkey Vulture
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Cathartiformes, Family: Cathartidae, Genus: Cathartes, Species: aura · Cathartidae (New World Vultures) · Flight feather (Remex); likely a Secondary or Inner Primary (P1-P3)
Species
Cathartes aura
Feather Type
Flight feather (Remex); likely a Secondary or Inner Primary (P1-P3)
Family
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
Shape
Broad and somewhat asymmetrical; the tip is rounded with a slight taper. The vane is wide, typical of soaring birds that require significant lift.
Size
Estimated at 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) in length. This is consistent with the secondary feathers of an adult Turkey Vulture, which typically fall in this range.
Rarity
Common; one of the most widespread and frequently observed large birds of prey in the Americas.
Color & Pattern
Uniformly dark brownish-black to charcoal on the upper surface. The underside (ventral) usually appears slightly more silvery-gray due to the light-reflecting properties of the barbs. The rachis is white/pale cream, which is a diagnostic feature.
Barb Structure
Tightly interlocked and pennaceous throughout most of the vane for aerodynamic integrity, transitioning to a soft, plumulaceous (fluffy) base near the calamus (quill).
Texture & Surface
Relatively stiff and matte in appearance. Unlike some water birds, it lacks an oily sheen but has a very smooth, aerodynamic leading edge. The base is notably soft and downy.
Description
This is a large, dark flight feather from a Turkey Vulture, a bird known for its incredible sense of smell and soaring flight style. The adult bird features a red, featherless head, a massive 6-foot wingspan, and a distinctive 'V' shape (dihedral) while soaring.
Key Features
Pale/white rachis against a dark brownish-black vane; broad secondary shape; silver-gray sheen on the underside; fuzzy white down at the base.
Habitat
Found in a wide range of open and semi-open areas, including subtropical forests, shrublands, pastures, and deserts. They frequent roadsides where carrion is present.
Geographic Range
Extensive range from southern Canada to the southernmost tip of South America. Northern populations are migratory, often traveling in huge 'kettles' through Central America during winter.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. There is visible wear/splitting (notching) near the tip of the vane, and some barb separation, likely due to natural wear-and-tear or the feather being a molted specimen found on the ground.
Interesting Facts
Turkey Vultures are one of the few birds with a highly developed sense of smell, allowing them to locate carcasses hidden under forest canopies. They also practice urohidrosis, or excreting on their legs to cool down via evaporation.
Ecological Role
Scavenger; they provide a critical 'sanitation' service to the ecosystem by removing carrion, which helps prevent the spread of diseases like anthrax and rabies.
Similar Species
Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus) feathers are shorter, broader, and have dark shafts. Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) feathers are generally larger with darker shafts and more uniform coloration.