Turkey Vulture, Cathartes aura


Turkey Vulture
A common sight throughout the United States, the Turkey Vulture is by far our most common scavenger. Its close relative, the Black Vulture, is found in the southeastern and Gulf Coast states; a picture of birds of both species sharing a common perch can be seen here.


Turkey Vulture

Turkey Vulture


Turkey Vulture
Preening.

Turkey Vulture
Above with a dead Northern Fulmar; below, also on a beach with a dead bird, this one possibly a Wandering Tattler.


Turkey Vulture

Turkey Vulture
And a dead sea lion.

Turkey Vulture
A rear view, with spread wings.

Turkey Vulture
A juvenile, as shown by the dark rather than white tip of the bill, and the pale pink rather than red of the bare skin. Turkey Vultures gradually molt to adult plumage and bare parts through their first year.

Turkey Vultures
A pair, perching together, out of breeding season.

Turkey Vulture
Turkey Vultures in flight, ventral view above, dorsal below.

Turkey Vulture