How to identify the Turkey Vulture

To correctly identify the Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura), check each of these features. Birds can be tricky: habit, habitat, and call often confirm a sighting that a single photo cannot.

Size at a glance

Length

62-81 cm (24-32 in)

Wingspan

160-183 cm (63-72 in)

Weight

0.85-2.4 kg (1.9-5.3 lbs)

Physical features to check

1. 1

   Plumage

   Overall feather coloration and pattern.

   Adults have dull blackish-brown body plumage, appearing black from a distance. The undersides of the flight feathers (remiges) are silvery-gray, creating a two-toned effect in flight. The head and neck are featherless and typically bright red in adults, though can appear duller or mottled depending on health and age. Juveniles have a grayish-black head and neck.

2. 2

   Beak shape

   Shape and color of the bill: a key field mark.

   Hooked, ivory-colored beak, relatively weak for tearing flesh, adapted for probing.

3. 3

   Eye color

   Iris color and any distinctive eye markings.

   Dark brown.

4. 4

   Leg color

   Leg and foot color.

   Pale pinkish-white to flesh-colored.

5. 5

   Distinguishing features

   Standout features that separate this species.

   Featherless red head (adults), two-toned underwing pattern (silvery flight feathers contrasting with darker wing linings), and a distinctive dihedral (V-shaped) soaring flight.

6. 6

   Juvenile appearance

   How young birds differ from adults.

   Juveniles have a grayish-black, downy head and neck, which gradually turns red as they mature, typically by their second year. Their plumage is generally duller than adults.

7. 7

   Seasonal changes

   Plumage variation between breeding and non-breeding seasons.

   No significant seasonal plumage changes. The intensity of the red head color can vary with age, health, and excitement.

8. 8

   Sexual dimorphism

   How males and females differ.

   Minimal; males and females are similar in plumage and size, though females may be slightly larger on average.

Key field marks

• Flight Profile. Look for the distinctive 'V-shaped' or dihedral wing position while soaring. The bird will often appear to teeter or wobble in the air, unlike the more stable flight of other large raptors.
• Underwing Pattern. Observe the underside of the wings. Turkey Vultures show a clear two-toned pattern: the flight feathers (primaries and secondaries) are silvery-gray, contrasting with the darker blackish wing linings.
• Head Color (Adults). At closer range, note the featherless, bright red head and neck of adult birds. Juveniles will have a grayish-black head.
• Tail Length. Turkey Vultures have a relatively long tail that extends beyond the trailing edge of the wings in flight, giving them a more balanced appearance compared to the shorter-tailed Black Vulture.
• Foraging Behavior. Watch for birds circling low over an area, often indicating they are detecting carrion by smell. They are often among the first scavengers to arrive at a carcass.

Explore the Turkey Vulture