Cathartes aura
Open country and roadsides across most of the continent. Holds its wings in a V. Large track with a rear toe, rarely seen.
What does a turkey vulture look like?
Black, with a red unfeathered head. Wings are held in a V and rock from side to side.
What do turkey vulture tracks look like?
Vultures rarely leave a readable trail. The soaring shape and the red head are the identification.
- Large track with a rear toe, rarely seen
- Soars with wings in a shallow V
- Red head on adults if seen
- Two-toned underwing
- Whitewash on a cliff or a barn roost
What does turkey vulture poop look like?
Whitewash at a roost on a cliff, a dead tree, or a barn roof. Do not handle droppings. Several species carry parasites that stay in the soil around a latrine.
Where you find it
Open country and roadsides across most of the continent. Holds its wings in a V. Typical places: field, woods. Year-round in much of the range. Some move south for winter.
What to do next
- Watch from a distance
- Do not approach a nest
- If a bird is injured, call a local wildlife rehabilitator
This page is a field guide, not a permit to approach wildlife. If an animal is injured, aggressive, or inside a house, call a local wildlife officer.
Animals it is confused with
- Bald eagle identification
- Black vulture identification
- All animal identification pages
- Identify an animal from a photo, track, or description
How do you tell a turkey vulture in flight?
Wings in a V, rocking flight, and a two-toned underwing.
How to tell a turkey vulture from similar animals
Use the track, the dropping, and the place together. One print is not enough.
- Bald eagle. A very large bird print with deep talon holes. Adults are dark with a white head and tail.
- Black vulture. Not a track identification. Black, gray head, short tail, white patches at the ends of the wings.
Turkey vulture field marks
- Large track with a rear toe, rarely seen
- Soars with wings in a shallow V
- Red head on adults if seen
- Two-toned underwing
Where the sign shows up
Open country and roadsides across most of the continent. Holds its wings in a V. Typical places: field, woods. Year-round in much of the range. Some move south for winter.
Vultures rarely leave a readable trail. The soaring shape and the red head are the identification. Whitewash at a roost on a cliff, a dead tree, or a barn roof.
Common questions
How do you tell a turkey vulture in flight?
Wings in a V, rocking flight, and a two-toned underwing.