North American Vultures (Cathartidae)

Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus)

Common in the SE US and in many parts of NC, Black Vultures can be distinguished from Turkey Vultures by their grayish-black skin on their heads. (Turkey Vultures have reddish skin on their heads.) Black Vultures also have a quicker wing-beat and shorter, broader wings. Also note the the whitish wingtips due to the light colored outermost primary feathers.

Collier Co., FL
17 Apr 2005

Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura)

Common across the US, Turkey Vultures are larger and longer than their black cousins above. Unfeathered red heads are diagnostic. In flight, they hold their wings in a "V" configuration and often teeter back and forth on wind currents.

These two Turkey Vultures were waiting for an Osprey to finish with his fish so they could tidy up the leftovers!

Collier Co., FL
2 January 2006

	Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura) Graham Co., NC 28 Apr 2006

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Created on ... January 19, 2006 | Updated on ... May 8, 2006 | jeffpippen9@gmail.com