The turkey vulture (Cathartes aura) is a large bird of prey that when soaring holds its wings in a shallow "V" and "tips" from side to side as if unsteady in the air. It is, of course, a wonderful flier spending much of its day aloft searching for food.

Turkey vultures are scavengers feeding primarily on carrion (dead animals), that may pose a health threat to humans and other animals. Unlike most birds, turkey vultures have a well developed sense of smell and can locate carcasses by their odor.

Turkey vultures are relatively common throughout the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area. Watch for these large dark birds as they soar along bluffs, especially during spring and fall migration.