Turkey vultures are large dark birds with long, broad wings. Bigger than other raptors except eagles and condors. When soaring, Turkey Vultures hold their wings slightly raised, making a " V " when seen head- on. Turkey Vultures appear black from a distance but up closes are dark brown with featherless red head and a pale bill.Turkey Vultures are majestic but unsteady soarers. Their teetering flight with very few wing beats is characteristic. They glide relatively low to the ground, sniffing for carrion. They may soar in small groups and roost in larger numbers. Turkey Vultures as they cruise open areas including mixed farmland, forest, rangeland, roadsides and at landfills. At night, they roost in trees, on rocks, and other high secluded spots. Turkey Vulture is not on the 2014 State of the Birds Watch List. These birds were threatened by side-effects of the pesticide DDT, but today they are among the most common large carnivorous birds in North America. The main concern is lead shot that ends up in carcasses or gut piles left by hunters. The animals eat the shot and eventually suffer lead poisoning. Far from it, vultures actually reduce the spread of disease.

• Watch List.
• These birds were threatened by side-effects of the pesticide DDT, but today they are among the most common large carnivorous birds in North America.
• The main concern is lead shot that ends up in carcasses or gut piles left by hunters. The animals eat the shot and eventually suffer lead poisoning.
• Far from it, vultures actually reduce the spread of disease.

• Turkey Vulture is not on the 2014 State of the Birds Watch List.
• These birds were threatened by side-effects of the pesticide DDT, but today they are among the most common large carnivorous birds in North America.
• The main concern is lead shot that ends up in carcasses or gut piles left by hunters. The animals eat the shot and eventually suffer lead poisoning.
• Far from it, vultures actually reduce the spread of disease.