Victor (Turkey vulture)
Cathartes aura
Turkey vultures are one of the largest soaring birds in the Central Valley. They are between 26-32 inches tall with a 72 inch wing span. Their basic coloration is iridescent black with black wings. The undersides of the wings are a silvery gray. The neck and head are naked--red in adults and gray in adolescents. Turkey vultures serve as clean-up detail, eating carrion often on the roadsides. They are one of few birds with an acute sense of smell making it possible for them to detect which direction the scent is coming from. They have a remarkable digestive system which allows them to eat meat diseased with anthrax without being affected themselves. Turkey vultures are community based—living and working together in cooperation. They are easy to spot in the early morning with wings outstretched in an effort to catch the first warming, drying rays of the dawn sun.
Victor was an adolescent turkey vulture brought to us by the California Department of Forestry. He was found by the side of the road and had been clipped by a passing car injuring his wing permanently.