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Expedition 🇺🇸 United States

Turkey Vulture in United States

Nature's cleanup crew — a red-headed scavenger that soars on tilted wings and finds carrion by smell alone.

Turkey Vulture

The species

The turkey vulture is the most common large soaring bird over much of North America. Its bare red head, dark body, and two-toned underwing — silvery flight feathers against black coverts — make it identifiable even at great height. In flight it holds wings in a shallow V and wobbles slightly, unlike the steadier glide of hawks.

Habitat in United States

Open country, farmland, highways, and forest edges across the US support turkey vultures. They roost communally in dead trees and cliffs overnight, then ride thermals by day scanning the ground below.

Where to spot one

  • Central Park

    New York City

    Urban ponds for mallards, pigeons on the paths, and sparrows in every shrub — a compact starter loop in Manhattan.

  • Golden Gate Park

    San Francisco

    Lakes, meadows, and tree cover where common birds and park wildlife turn an afternoon stroll into a discovery session.

  • Suburban Park Systems

    Nationwide

    Local green spaces across the US — pond edges, playground perimeters, and dog-walking trails where the everyday species gather.

  • Neighbourhood Streets

    Nationwide

    Front gardens, fence lines, and café patios — where house cats watch from walls and sparrows squabble over crumbs.

Conservation status

LC — Least Concern

Turkey vultures are Least Concern with expanding populations. They are vulnerable to lead poisoning from scavenged shot game and to vehicle strikes when feeding on roadkill.

Keep exploring

Keep exploring

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Log the Turkey Vulture in United States

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