turkey vulture

American  

noun

1. a blackish-brown vulture, Cathartes aura, from the southern U.S. to South America, having a bare, wrinkled, red head and neck.

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Etymology

Origin of turkey vulture

An Americanism dating back to 1815–25

Compare meaning

How does turkey-vulture compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• vulture vs. turkey vulture

Example Sentences

The Turkey vulture is far more lively, and its movements are more light.

From Travels in Peru, on the Coast, in the Sierra, Across the Cordilleras and the Andes, into the Primeval Forests by Ross, Thomasina

The female lays three or four eggs, which are whitish brown and speckled, and are hatched in the same months as the eggs of the Turkey vulture.

From Travels in Peru, on the Coast, in the Sierra, Across the Cordilleras and the Andes, into the Primeval Forests by Ross, Thomasina