Turkey Vulture

A long, dark flight feather from a master of the thermals. The Turkey Vulture is a large scavenger with a red unfeathered head and a distinctive 'V' (teetering) flight profile. In the air, their wings appear two-toned (black coverts, grey flight feathers).

Uniformly dark brownish-black to charcoal on the dorsal (upper) surface. The ventral (under) surface typically shows a silvery-grey sheen, which creates the two-toned wing appearance in flight.

Densely interlocked pennaceous barbs on the majority of the vane for aerodynamic integrity, transitioning to plumulaceous (downy) barbs at the very base (calamus area). No specialized serrations like those found in owls.

Stiff and somewhat coarse. The surface is matte rather than glossy, which is typical for vultures. Leading edge is very rigid to withstand high wind pressure.

Distinguished by its large size, uniform dark color, extreme asymmetry, and the 'silvery' quality of the underside of the barbs.

Extremely versatile: found in open country, subtropical forests, shrublands, deserts, and pastures. Often seen soaring over roadsides and near cliffs.

Ubiquitous throughout the Americas, ranging from southern Canada to the southernmost tip of South America. Northern populations are migratory.

Nature's clean-up crew. As obligate scavengers, they prevent the spread of diseases by disposing of carcasses that would otherwise rot.

Black Vulture (shorter, broader feathers), Golden Eagle (larger, typically shows more varied basal coloring), and Common Raven (smaller, different sheen).

Turkey Vultures have an extraordinary sense of smell, able to detect carrion from miles away. They also use 'urohidrosis' (fecal cooling) to regulate body temperature.

Good condition. Minimal 'fault bars' (stress lines) visible. Slight wear on the trailing edge suggests it was naturally molted at the end of a season.