Turkey Vulture (also known as Turkey Buzzard)

This is a large primary wing feather from a Turkey Vulture, a bird recognizable by its bald red head and silver-and-black wings. In flight, they hold their wings in a V-shape (dihedral) and teeter unsteadily.

Uniform dark chocolate-brown to blackish-brown on the dorsal surface; the ventral (under) surface often shows a silvery-grey sheen. The rachis is notably light-colored (ivory to pale tan).

Densely packed pennaceous barbs on the majority of the vane for structural integrity during flight, becoming plumulaceous (downy) only at the very base near the calamus.

Relatively stiff and coarse with a matte finish. The surface lacks the softness of an owl feather, as these birds rely on thermals rather than silent flight.

Large size, dramatic asymmetry, white/ivory rachis, and the distinctive emargination (cut-out shape) on the leading edge of the vane.

Found in a wide variety of open and semi-open areas, including subtropical forests, shrublands, pastures, and deserts; often seen soaring over roadsides and landfill sites.

Extensive range from southern Canada to the southernmost tip of South America. Northern populations are migratory, wintering in the southern US and Central America.

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

Black Vulture (shorter, broader, more silver at tip), California Condor (much larger, darker rachis), and Golden Eagle (usually shows more banding and a darker rachis).

Turkey Vultures have an extraordinary sense of smell, capable of detecting the gases produced by decaying carcasses from miles away while soaring high in the air.

Fair to Good. Visible wear and fraying along the edges of the vane suggest this was a naturally molted feather that may have spent some time exposed to the elements.