Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura)

Common throughout North Carolina (and North America) adult Turkey Vultures have reddish skin on their unfeathered heads.

In flight, they hold their wings in a "V" configuration and often teeter back and forth on wind currents.

Durham Co., NC 5/2/2006

Generally seen soaring overhead, Turkey Vultures rarely have to flap, making expert use of thermals and air currents.

Durham Co., NC 5/2/2006
Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura) These two Turkey Vultures were waiting for an Osprey to finish with his fish so they could tidy up the leftovers!

Collier Co., FL
2 January 2006

Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura)

Collier Co., FL
2 January 2006

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Created on ... January 19, 2006 | Updated on ... July 13, 2006 | jspippen@duke.edu