Turkey Vulture Overview, All About Birds, Cornell Lab of OrnithologySkip to main contentDonateDonateSearchMenuTurkey VultureListenMedia Player ErrorUpdate your browserID InfoVulturesTurkey VultureCathartes auraORDER: CathartiformesFAMILY: CathartidaeBasic DescriptionIf you’ve gone looking for raptors on a clear day, your heart has probably leaped at the sight of a large, soaring bird in the distance– perhaps an eagle or osprey. But if it's soaring with its wings raised in a V and making wobbly circles, it's likely a Turkey Vulture. These birds ride thermals in the sky and use their keen sense of smell to find fresh carcasses. They are a consummate scavenger, cleaning up the countryside one bite of their sharply hooked bill at a time, and never mussing a feather on their bald heads. More ID InfoYear-roundBreedingMigrationNonbreedingRange map provided by Explore MapsFind This BirdThe most common time to see a Turkey Vulture is while driving, so look along the sides of highways and in the sky over open countryside. When hiking or traveling in hilly or mountainous areas, keep your eyes peeled for vultures. Sudden changes in topography allow for updrafts that the birds use to carry them into the sky. Other NamesAura Gallipavo (Spanish)Urubu à tête rouge (French)Backyard TipsTurkey Vultures are accustomed to living near humans and snacking off of our leavings. You will often see them in farm fields or hanging out next to the road. However, they are not likely to be in your backyard unless something has died or else you have a very large backyard. Cool Facts, The turkey vulture (Cathartes aura) is the most widespread of the New World vultures. [2] One of three species in the genus Cathartes of the family Cathartidae, the turkey vulture ranges from southern Canada to the southernmost tip of South America. It inhabits a variety of open and semi-open areas, including subtropical forests, shrublands , And of them all, the turkey vulture is the most successful. The turkey vulture inhabits open areas, forests, shrublands, pastures, and deserts from Southern Canada all the way down to Southern South America. Turkey Vulture Facts Overview.