Description
The Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura), also known as the buzzard, is the most widespread of the North and South American vultures. Its common name comes from a bald red head and dark plumage which resembles that of a male wild turkey. The range of the turkey vulture is from southern Canada to the tip of South America. It inhabits a variety of habitats including forests, shrublands, pastures and deserts. The turkey vulture is a scavenger with a keen sense of smell and eyesight which enables it to find dead and decaying animals (carrion), its main source of food. In flight, they rely on thermals and need to flap their wings infrequently. The turkey vulture roosts in large communal groups and nests in hollow trees, caves and thickets. They usually raise two chicks a year which they feed through regurgitation. This turkey vulture was photographed at Chimney Rock Junction in Point Reyes National Seashore, California, USA.
