Seen at close distance, the red head is one of the bird's most distinguishing characteristics.
Vultures are scavengers that feed on dead animals, but contrary to myth, they prefer fresh food.
To detect carrion, the turkey vulture relies on excellent long-range vision and one of the most acute senses of smell of any bird. Although often clumsy at takeoff, the turkey vulture is magnificent when soaring. It rides heat thermals and updrafts, soaring in circular patterns with wings outstretched in a shallow V-shape. It soars for hours as it scans open fields, meadows, and roadsides for food. Turkey vultures are migratory and are only seen in the Pacific Northwest during the warm months of spring and summer.