Vulturkey

Discovery LocationNorth American Plains

Lead ResearcherB. Franklin

Field Report Summary

Commonly seen circling over roadkill, the Vulturkey is nature's cleanup crew. Its bald head stays clean while feeding inside carcasses. While capable of flight, it prefers to run. During mating season, males display their impressive tail fans while hissing.

Physical Description

Turkey body with the bald red head and soaring wings of a Turkey Vulture.

Habitat

Open Country

Dietary Behavior

Scavenger

Evolutionary Origin

Efficient scavenging adaptation

Behavioral Notes

Vomits as a defense mechanism when threatened.