Turkey Vultures of Eastern North America

Turkey Vultures of Eastern North America(Cathartes aura septentrionalis)

Septentrionalis is the sub-species (race) of Turkey Vultures found in Eastern North America. Canada is the northern edge of their range. They only live around the southern parts of the Great Lakes, and in the southern edges of the prairie provinces. In Canada, the length of a full-grown Turkey Vulture is about 63 to 75 cm. (25" to 30") from beak to tail. Its wingspan is about 180 cm. (72"). Adult males and females look the same. They have bright red, bald heads; greyish-brown eyes; and yellow beaks with strong hooked tips for tearing their food. Their legs are bald and yellow, and they have black claws. Their feathers are mostly blackish-brown with a blue-green sheen on their breast, shoulders and backs. The undersides of their wings are silvery beige. The feathers seem to fade with age, because older birds become more brown than black. MORE! [LH] {BI} {EH}