What is a "turkey buzzard"?

A turkey buzzard is a large scavenging bird found in the Americas. Despite its name, it is not closely related to turkeys but instead belongs to the New World vulture family. With a wingspan of up to six feet, the turkey vulture has a distinctive appearance characterized by dark brown feathers, a featherless red head, and a hooked beak. It is known for its remarkable ability to locate carrion, using its acute sense of smell to detect the scent of decaying flesh from high altitudes. These birds play an essential role in ecosystems by cleaning up carcasses and preventing the spread of diseases.