A guide to the feathers of the Black and Turkey Vulture, the only vultures (sans California Condor) native to the United States and Canada. These two species can often be found in close association with each other and the identification of their feathers may be complicated by their similarity in appearance.

Turkey Vultures appear black from a distance but up close are dark brown with a featherless red head and pale bill. While most of their body and forewing are dark, the undersides of the flight feathers (along the trailing edge and wingtips) are paler, giving a two-toned appearance.

While soaring, the turkey vulture holds its wings in a shallow V-shape and often tips from side to side, frequently causing the gray flight feathers to appear silvery as they catch the light.

2023年5月18日 · Vultures are massive predatory birds that lack feathers on their heads and necks. Depending on where you are in the world, you may also know them as condors or buzzards, but these all describe the same scavenging bird.

2025年1月5日 · All of the New World vultures and some of the Old World vultures have bare heads, a condition that prevents feathers from matting with blood when the birds reach inside carcasses. Most vultures have a large pouch in the throat (crop) and can go for long periods without food—adaptations to a feast-or-famine scavenging lifestyle.

With sooty black plumage, a bare black head, and neat white stars under the wingtips, Black Vultures are almost dapper. Whereas Turkey Vultures are lanky birds with teetering flight, Black Vultures are compact birds with broad wings, short tails, and powerful wingbeats.

Vultures preen their contour feathers but pay special attention to their flight feathers, which constitute a vulture’s most valuable foraging tool. Turkey vultures spend hours flying …

2023年11月22日 · When vultures feed on carcasses, they often stick their heads deep inside body cavities to access internal organs. Having a bald head prevents blood, rotting tissue, fecal matter, and other foul substances from sticking to feathers during this messy process.

Vultures have long, hooked bills designed for tearing pieces of food. Vultures lack feathers on their heads so they can more easily keep themselves clean when eating, since they often insert their heads completely inside the carcasses they feed on.

2025年1月24日 · You’ll recognize turkey vultures by their bald, red heads, dark brown plumage, and silvery-gray edges on their wings, creating a distinct look in flight. Spot their unique “V” shaped gliding pattern as they ride thermal updrafts, …