As we wrap up Raptor Month, this week’s featured bird – the turkey vulture – is known for “wrapping up” meals other animals have left behind. These scavenging birds of prey feed almost exclusively on carrion, and they are one of the few bird species to have a highly developed sense of smell that can help them locate their next meal from great distances.Many people revile vultures because of their less than lovely appearance, but they are actually very graceful, powerful fliers that are uniquely adapted to their potentially dangerous diet. With a bare head, it is harder for parasites that may be found in decayed carcasses to infect the birds, and they are a remarkably healthy species in terms of disease.
What is your opinion of turkey vultures? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Turkey Vulture
Photo © Just Chaos
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