Turkey Vulture
Cathartes aura — Wikipedia · Photos by Andy Harner
A large soaring scavenger. From below, the wings look two-toned — darker leading edges, silvery flight feathers — and the small red head is unfeathered. They ride thermals in a shallow V and rarely flap for long stretches.
Field ID notes
- Red, featherless head (adults)
- Two-toned underwings; longish squared tail
- Often soars with a slight dihedral (V shape)