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.
Habitat
Open country, roadsides, and forest edges across most of North America
Diet
Carrion, preferring fresh to fully decomposed carcasses
How common
Common
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