How to Identify a Turkey Vulture

By eHow Hobbies, Games & Toys Editor

Instructions

Step 1:
Buy a bird field guide. Look under the birds of prey section. The turkey vulture was originally identified as a member of the hawk family. Today scientists believe they are related to ibises and storks. But many field guides, especially older ones, still list the vulture under their "birds of prey" section.
Step 2:
Search for birds circling in the air over fields and meadows. Turkey Vultures use their keen senses of smell and sight to find carrion and dead animals to eat.
Step 3:
Look for black feathers and large wings. The wingspan of a turkey vulture can be up to 6 feet. These vultures frequently spread their wings when they roost. It's known as the heraldic pose. Most turkey vultures have black feathers.
Step 4:
Notice if the bird flaps its wings frequently or uses the wind currents to soar. Turkey vultures can soar for an extended time on currents before they need to flap their wings.
Step 5:
See the white underside of the bird and the red head. The Turkey vulture's red head is mostly featherless and ruddy. This prevents bacteria from attaching to the vulture's head while it eats carrion.

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