Turkey Vulture (also known as Turkey Buzzard)

A large soaring bird with a wingspan of up to 6 feet. They are easily identified in flight by their 'V-shape' dihedral and teetering flight style. This feather is a deep, earthy brown, reflecting the bird's utilitarian plumage which is adapted for long-duration soaring.

Solid dark brownish-black to charcoal grey on the dorsal surface; ventral surface often shows a silvery-grey sheen characteristic of the species

Tightly interlocked pennaceous barbs on the distal half with a downy, plumulaceous base; robust barbicels for flight integrity

Relatively stiff and matte; the surface is designed to resist air pressure while maintaining a lightweight, somewhat oily water-repellent finish

White/pale thick rachis (quill), uniform dark brown color, silver-grey sheen on the underside, and large size without banding

Open and semi-open areas, including subtropical forests, shrublands, pastures, and deserts; often nests in caves, hollow logs, or thickets

Year-round resident from South America through the southern US; northern populations migrate from Canada to South America for winter

Apex scavenger; provides vital ecosystem services by removing carrion and preventing the spread of diseases (such as anthrax and rabies)

Black Vulture (shorter, wider feathers), Golden Eagle (much larger, darker quill), or Common Raven (glossier black, different rachis color)

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

Good; showing minor wear at the tip and some separation of the barbs near the base, typical of a molted specimen