Turkey vulture / Truthahngeier (Cathartes aura)

Turkey vulture circling at Maya site Becan. 2023-04-03 13:23:00 Yucatan

Observations

First documented observation: 2018-02-28 in Costa Rica. Most recent observation: 2023-04-03 in Yucatan.

Description

Classification: Genus Cathartes (Cathartes); Family Cathartidae (Cathartidae)
General: The turkey vulture (Cathartes aura), also known in some North American regions as the turkey buzzard (or just buzzard), and in some areas of the Caribbean as the John crow or carrion crow,^[2] is the most widespread of the New World vultures.^[3] One of three species in the genus Cathartes of the family Cathartidae, the turkey vulture ranges from southern Canada to the southernmost tip of South America. It inhabits a variety of open and semi-open areas, including subtropical forests, shrublands, pastures, and deserts.^[1] [more]