Cathartes aura septentrionalis

(Wied, 1839)

Vernacular names
English : Turkey vulture
French : Urubu à tête rouge

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Accipitriformes
Family : Cathartidae
Notes : 4 other subspecies known.

Identification
Adults reach a length of 81 cm for a weight up to 2 kg, females being slightly heavier than males. Plumage entirely black with chestnut areas on wings. White bill, naked bright pinkish-red head with more or less black hair-like plumes.

Range and habitat
This subspecies occurs in eastern half of USA and south-east Canada. Species also found in western USA, central and southern America. Lives in almost any kind of habitat, up to 4000 meters.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species is common to abundant in its very large range. Most of its populations are stable or increasing. Vulnerable to lead poisoning.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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