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Turkey Vulture

Cathartes aura

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39.0647, -120.956

Field Notes

Description:

Large black bird; bare red head (blackish on immature); long tail; holds wings in shallow V when soaring.
Size: length, 26-32 in., wingspan 6 ft.

Habitat:

Various habitats, especially around dead trees.

Notes:

"Turkey Buzzards, as old-timers call them, are magnificent fliers. Alone or by the dozens, they sail for hours high in the sky, rocking slightly from side to side and holding their wings in a shallow V. ... the Turkey Vulture flaps mainly when seeking updrafts from low altitudes. Vultures eat some live prey, but most of their food is carrion."
Copyright 1982 Reader's Digest North American Wildlife

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Photographed
PublishedMarch 28, 2011

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