The New World vultures. These two groups, despite their extreme physical similarities, are not related. They are a good example of convergent evolution, which is, two unrelated groups of animals that resemble each other closely because they have developed the same adaptions for a similar way of life. These adaptions include bald skin on the head and neck, which helps prevent feathers from becoming soiled when eating and also aids in heat regulation.
Vultures are also well adapted for soaring flight having large, broad wings.
Each vulture specializes in a method of feeding. King vultures are the only ones powerful enough to tear through tough skin and open up a carcass for others. Black vultures tend to concentrate on muscle tissue, while the Turkey and Yellow-headed vultures feed more slowly and can tear off the last scraps of meat from the bone. This is a form of resource partitioning. In ancient Maya civilizations, the King vulture was incorporated into their sophisticated glyphic writing system.