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October 12, 2007
Friday Feathers
A large bird with a red head and legs, the Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura) has up to a 6-foot wingspan. The vulture's naked head is an adaptation to reduce the risk of feather fouling (picking up diseases) from carcasses.
Unlike hawks and eagles, it has weak feet that are more suited to walking than grasping. It is one of the few birds that has developed a sense of smell and is mostly mute, making only grunts and groans. Recent studies indicate that this bird is closely related to storks, not birds of prey.
Cindy
Comments
A magnificent photo - I love birds of prey, but only get buzzards around here.
Brain matter deposited by: zed on October 14, 2007 10:15 AM
I love this photo. WOW !
Brain matter deposited by: Joost Plattel on October 14, 2007 2:23 PM