Identification
Two species of vultures occur in North America. Turkey vultures (Cathartes aura) are larger than black vultures (Coragyps atratus). Both are scavengers and play an important role in removing carrion from the environment.

Physical Description
Turkey vultures are dark brown-black with a featherless, bright red head (adult) or brown head (juvenile), and a relatively long, narrow tail. The undersides of the wings are gray, except along the leading edges, which are black. Wing span averages 67 inches. Turkey vultures weigh about 4 pounds and may live up to 16 years. Black vultures are predominantly black, with a dark gray to black head (juvenile and adult). The tail is shorter and wider than a turkey vulture’s. The undersides of the wings are dark gray with large white patches near the wing tips. Wing span averages 59 inches. Black vultures weigh about 4 pounds and may live up to 25 years.