Turkey Vulture (Turkey Buzzard)

The Turkey Vulture is a large scavenger known for its characteristic two-toned underwings and swaying, dihedral flight style. Adults feature a distinctive red, featherless head and dark brown-black plumage. They rely entirely on their exceptional sense of smell and keen eyesight to locate carrion across vast landscapes.

Dark charcoal-gray to blackish tip fading into a lighter silvery-gray or brownish-gray frosted edge, with a whitish shaft near the base

Pennaceous upper portion with tightly interlocked barbs and plumulaceous (fluffy) base with loose barbs and no afterfeather

Smooth and matte on the upper pennaceous portion with a soft, downy texture at the base

Silvery-gray frosted margin on dark charcoal-black background, pale robust rachis, and a soft plumulaceous base without an aftershaft

Open and semi-open country, including pastures, deserts, scrublands, foothills, and deciduous forests

Widespread across the Americas, ranging from southern Canada down to the southernmost tip of South America

Crucial ecosystem service provider by rapidly disposing of carcasses and preventing the spread of diseases such as anthrax, rabies, and botulism

Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus), whose body feathers are typically uniform dark black without the silvery-gray frosting characteristic of Turkey Vultures

Turkey Vultures possess an extraordinary sense of smell, rare among birds, allowing them to detect carcasses hidden beneath dense forest canopies. They also practice urohidrosis, defecating on their legs to cool down and kill bacteria.

Good condition, fresh appearance with intact barbs and minimal wear or fading

Daufuskie island inland