Turkey Vulture
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Cathartiformes, Family: Cathartidae, Genus: Cathartes, Species: aura · Cathartidae (New World Vultures) · Primary flight feather (remex), likely an outer primary (P7-P9) due to extreme asymmetry and emargination.
Species
Cathartes aura
Feather Type
Primary flight feather (remex), likely an outer primary (P7-P9) due to extreme asymmetry and emargination.
Family
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
Shape
Highly asymmetrical with a very narrow leading edge (vane) and a broad trailing edge. The tip is somewhat rounded but shows distinct emargination (notching) characteristic of soaring birds.
Size
Estimated 30-38 cm (12-15 inches) in length. This is consistent with the primary feathers of a large soaring bird with a wingspan of nearly 6 feet.
Rarity
Very Common. One of the most widespread and frequently observed large birds in North America.
Color & Pattern
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.
Barb Structure
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.
Texture & Surface
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.
Description
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).
Key Features
Distinguished by its large size, uniform dark color, extreme asymmetry, and the 'silvery' quality of the underside of the barbs.
Habitat
Extremely versatile: found in open country, subtropical forests, shrublands, deserts, and pastures. Often seen soaring over roadsides and near cliffs.
Geographic Range
Ubiquitous throughout the Americas, ranging from southern Canada to the southernmost tip of South America. Northern populations are migratory.
Condition Notes
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.
Interesting Facts
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.
Ecological Role
Nature's clean-up crew. As obligate scavengers, they prevent the spread of diseases by disposing of carcasses that would otherwise rot.
Similar Species
Black Vulture (shorter, broader feathers), Golden Eagle (larger, typically shows more varied basal coloring), and Common Raven (smaller, different sheen).