Size
The average turkey vulture is about 30 inches in length with a wingspan of 6 feet; it can weigh as much as 6 pounds.
Identification
The feathers of the buzzard are a blackish-brown in color on the body with the wing feathers looking almost silver-grayish when viewed from beneath the flying bird.
Head
The head of a turkey vulture is smallish when compared to the bird's body, is nearly devoid of any feathers, and is red, making the bird appear quite ugly.
Flight
The buzzard in flight will hold its wings in the shape of a V and hardly ever flap them as it soars on warm air currents in circles.
Misconceptions
Turkey vultures are often seen circling together in groups, but this behavior does not have to mean that a dead creature is nearby; the birds may be riding wind currents together or just playing.
Article Written By John Lindell
John Lindell has written articles for "The Greyhound Review" and various other online publications. A Connecticut native, his work specializes in sports, fishing and nature. Lindell worked in greyhound racing for 25 years.
