Turkey Vulture
Cathartes aura

Size: 26-32"; up to 6-foot wingspan

Male: Large bird with obvious red head and legs in flight, the wings appear two-toned: black leading edge with gray on the trailing edge and tip. The tips of the wings end in finger-like projections. Long squared tail and ivory bill.

Female: Same as male.

Juvenile: Similar to adult, with gray-to-blackish head and bill.

Nest: No nest, or a minimal nest on cliff or in cave. One brood per year.

Eggs: 2; white with brown markings

Incubation: 38-41 days; female and male incubate

Fledging: 66-88 days; male and female feed young

Migration: The Turkey Vulture can be found in St. Charles County year round.

Food: Carrion. Parents regurgitate for young