The Turkey Vulture locates carrion primarily by smell — highly unusual among birds — using one of the largest olfactory systems of any North American bird. In flight it holds its wings in a characteristic dihedral (V-shape) and rocks side to side. Its bare red head reduces bacterial buildup when feeding inside carcasses, and it uses the sun to warm itself each morning by spreading its wings.
Best time to see a Turkey Vulture
The best time to see a Turkey Vulture is January–July, when about 66% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 172,430 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Turkey Vulture? What bird is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
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