TURKEY VULTURE GALLERY
(Cathartes aura)

The Turkey Vulture is easily identified because of its obvious red head.  It is a little larger than the Black Vulture, with longer wings and tail.  The vulture’s naked head is an adaptation to reduce the risk of fouling (picking up diseases) from carcasses.  Unlike hawks and eagles, it has weak feet more suited to walking than grasping.  Vultures are one of the few birds that have a developed sense of smell.

Goose Island State Park, Texas, March 3, 2020.
The Turkey Vulture, unlike the Black Vulture, holds its wings in a slight V shape during flight. Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, March 3, 2020.
Goose Island State Park, near the boat ramp picnic grounds, March 2, 2020.