Within the order Falconiformes, the first family on the list of those living in North America is Cathartidae. The only species in this group are the Vultures of the New World (the Western hemisphere). All eat dead animals, although some are big enough to kill prey.

They are all fairly large birds with dark plumage. Their feathers are always either very dark brown, or black, and often so shiny they look blue-green in direct sunlight. All have brightly-coloured bald heads and necks (usually red), with just a few bristles sticking out here and there.

They are broad-winged birds. Even the small ones, like Turkey Vultures, have a wing span of about 180 cm. (72"). This makes them very good at soaring for long periods to find food.

The name Cathartidae comes from the Greek word katharein which means to clean, or purify. That seems an appropriate name for birds that clean up the landscape by eating other animals that have died.