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

By contrast, a New World vulture like the turkey vulture relies more on a truly amazing sense of smell to identify live prey in forests.

From Salon • May 11, 2025

Though variations of the story exist along the Nahua region of Mexico, Tlahuelpuchi typically turns into a Mexican turkey vulture.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 4, 2023

We trekked through the tall dunes once again, passing a rabbit, a few deer and a turkey vulture as we go.

From Washington Post • Feb. 3, 2022

An emaciated turkey vulture recently found on the Lake Tahoe shore couldn’t fly, likely because food isn’t as plentiful in burned areas, said Denise Upton, the animal care director at Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 23, 2021

“No. It’s the sound of a turkey vulture, duh! That’s how he calls us to the Speaking Stump,” Cedar said.

From "Klawde: Evil Alien Warlord Cat" by Johnny Marciano and Emily Chenoweth