TV,+North+Harr,+and+Osprey

= Parker Henderer - Turkey Vulture =

Group

 * Accipiter
 * Scientific name is Cathartes aura

Size

 * Length 26-32 inches
 * Wingspan 62-78 inches
 * Weight 1.4 kg

Field marks

 * Red bald head
 * Dark brown and black body

Diet

 * Carrion, from small mammals to large grazers
 * Recently dead
 * Rarely kills its own prey
 * Enjoys plant matter- pumpkin, shore line vegetation, etc.

Habitat
Interesting facts
 * Found in North America, South America
 * Breed as far north as southern Canada
 * Nest in caves, cliff ledges, forest floor
 * Large soaring bird
 * Long wings and tail
 * Head mostly unfeathered
 * Does not use traditional nest but scratches an indentation in the soil
 * One of the only birds in North America with a sense of smell
 * Circling vultures does not necessarily mean a dead animal, sometimes they are catching thermals to save energy
 * Sharp hooked beak for tearing food
 * Does not have powerful feet for grasping prey

Migration

 * Partial migrant
 * Most commonly seen at Hawk Mt.
 * Average of 200 turkey vultures seen at Hawk Mt.

Immature description
(brown, black)
 * Gray head with black tip of beak, dark feathers

Personal experience
When I went to my Uncles family's house in Jamaica over spring break, we saw 15 turkey vultures, at least, perched on the separate villa from our house. My 2 year old cousin scared them away and they flew over to the Golf course and rode on thermals for a while. When we rode to the beach I could still see them soaring from the back seat of the golf cart.

Video and pictures
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Links

 * turkey vulture facts