Red-headed Vulture
The Red-headed Vulture is a New World vulture in the genus Cathartes, scientifically named Cathartes aura.
The Red-headed Vulture (Cathartes aura), also known as the Turkey Vulture, is a New World vulture in the genus Cathartes. It is a scavenging bird with a bare red head and a wide distribution across the Americas, from southern Canada to southern South America. In French, it is called the urubu à tête rouge.
Description
The species is a medium to large vulture with dark plumage and a small, featherless red head. It is often recognized in flight by its broad wings and soaring behaviour.
Distribution and habitat
The Red-headed Vulture ranges widely through North, Central and South America. It uses open and semi-open habitats and is less common in dense forest; northern populations may migrate seasonally.
Behaviour and diet
It is primarily a scavenger that feeds on animal carcasses, including roadkill. Sources note that it may also take very small prey or other food items occasionally, but it rarely kills animals itself.
Conservation
The species is considered common across much of its range and is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN.
Key facts
- It is a New World vulture and a scavenger.
- Adults have a bare red head and dark plumage.
- It occurs across most of the American continent.
- Its diet consists mainly of carcasses and roadkill.
- It is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.
The species occurs in Canada during the warmer months and has been reported as far north as southern Quebec, Ontario, and parts of the Maritimes in some sources.
Frequently asked questions
What is the scientific name of the Red-headed Vulture?
Is the Red-headed Vulture the same as the Turkey Vulture?
Where does the species live?
What does it eat?
Is it endangered?
References
- Oiseaux.net — https://www.oiseaux.net/oiseaux/urubu.a.tete.rouge.htmlSupports: Scientific name, taxonomy, physical description, wingspan, weight, and broad American range.
- EcoZonia — https://www.ecozonia.fr/parc-animalier/animaux/urubu-tete-rouge-cathartes-335Supports: Size, wingspan, diet, and conservation status as Least Concern.
- Nature et Zoo — https://www.natureetzoo.fr/urubu-a-tete-rouge/Supports: Range across the Americas, seasonal migration, habitat, scavenging diet, and conservation status.
- Wikipédia — https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/CathartesSupports: Genus Cathartes, species grouping, four subspecies noted by IOC, and distribution including southern Canada.
- Espace pour la vie — https://espacepourlavie.ca/faune-biodome/urubu-tete-rougeSupports: Common name, physical description, diet, dimensions, weight, longevity, and conservation status.