A large, widespread scavenging bird of prey found across North and South America, known for its distinctive dark plumage and bald red head.
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Ecology & Habitat
Habitat
Diverse environments including open forests, grasslands, deserts, mountainous regions, and urban landscapes across the Americas, ranging from southern Canada to Tierra del Fuego
Ecological Role
Critical carrion consumer that helps maintain ecosystem health by removing dead animal matter, reducing disease transmission, and recycling nutrients
Morphology
SKIN COATDark plumage, bald red head, and pale beak adapted for scavenging
LIMBS WINGSLong, broad wings with distinctive V-shaped soaring profile, powerful legs with sharp talons
HEAD SENSORYFeatherless red head with excellent vision and highly developed olfactory capabilities for detecting carrion
BODY STRUCTURELarge wingspan of 1.7-1.9 meters, body length 63-76 cm, weight 0.8-2.3 kg, with dark brown to black feathers
Data Source: TaxonHub Database
Image Credit: Brocken Inaglory
