Juveniles have black heads. Turkey vultures are the only scavenger birds that can't kill their prey. A close inspection of their feet reminds one of a chicken instead of a hawk or an eagle. Their feet are useless for ripping into prey, but the vultures have powerful beaks that can tear through even the toughest cow hide. They feed by thrusting their heads into the body cavities of rotting animals.
Turkey vultures have an extraordinary sense of smell.
They have been known to be able to smell carrion from over a mile away which is very unique in the bird world. Vultures prefer meat as fresh as possible and won't eat extremely rotted carcasses. They can smell carrion only 12- 24 hours old. In the early morning hours you may see turkey vultures sunbathing in a tree with their wings spread out. This is done to increase their body temperature after the cool night.