Cathartes aura
The Turkey Vulture is a very large, broad winged soaring bird. Its length is 25 inches and it has a wingspan of 72 inches. A small, red, unfeathered head make this bird easy to identify. Its beak is white, somewhat long and hooked. The tail is long and round, legs are reddish, short and thick. Feet are weak as they are suited to running on the ground rather than grasping prey. Color is a dark brown except for pale flight feathers. Immature birds have a gray head, beak and legs.
Gender differences:
Similar in size and appearance
Habitat:
This species is widespread but mainly inhabits deciduous forest, woodlands and nearby farmlands/open areas where scavenging is easy. It is often seen soaring gracefully on thermals searching out a meal. Tropical areas with high amounts of rainfall and tropical temperatures are rarely frequented by the Turkey Vulture. It is a New World Vulture located most commonly throughout the USA, but they are found also in the lower parts of Canada and south to the tip of South America.
Diet:
Carrion. The Turkey Vulture has quite a good sense of smell and excellent eyesight, both of which aid it in its search for rotting meat. Road kills have become a source of food and they are often seen feeding on the road side.
Reproduction:
The Turkey Vulture nests during warm weather starting in March and ending in June. It prefers to nest in wooded areas though no nest is actually built. The nest sites can be on the ground, (camouflaged under bushes) on cliffs, in caves, on ledges or in outbuildings on farms. 1 - 3 eggs are laid, though 2 is the norm. Both parents incubate the eggs which hatch at around 40 days. The young are cared for by the parents for two and half to three months.
Other:
Turkey Vultures have large communal groups which roost together in the evening. One of its defensive mechanisms is to regurgitate its last meal at whatever has frightened it or is threatening it.
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