Turkey vulture holding wings open. The Turkey Vulture maintains stability and lift at low altitudes by holding its wings up in a slight dihedral (V-shape) and teetering from side to side while flying. . Found in North and South America, these vultures are often seen soaring high in the sky, searching for food. Tail length and silvery flight feathers also separate these species during vulture identification. They fly with their wings open in a “V” shape, often wobbling from side to side. The wings have many blood vessels close to the surface, allowing heat to dissipate more easily. Jul 16, 2025 · Vultures also hold their wings in a slight V-shape, known as a dihedral, which helps with stability, particularly in windy conditions, and they can spread their primary feathers at the wingtips, creating slots that reduce air resistance and help them glide slowly. Black vultures hold their wings more horizontal (flatter) than turkey vultures and also flap more, often in bursts of three to four quick flaps. This SORA site is currently under construction as the USF Libraries continues the migration of the SORA journals from the historic SORA site. Sep 20, 2024 · It’s not uncommon to find turkey vultures sitting with their wings held open early in the morning like this, referred to as the horaltic pose, to thermoregulate their body temperature with the sun’s rays, essentially warming themselves up as turkey vultures are known to lower their body temperatures at night, as much as 11 degrees Sep 21, 2024 · Dominant male turkey vultures hold wings open to attract females and establish territory. Their wings have white patches at the end. Aug 3, 2025 · Flight differences include wing shape – turkey vultures hold wings in a steep V, while black vultures fly with flatter wings. Feb 13, 2024 · By holding their wings out, turkey vultures are able to cool down efficiently in hot weather. With its bald head, hooked beak, and long, powerful wings, the turkey vulture is a striking bird of prey. When they spot a potential meal, they will swoop down and land nearby, spreading their wings to catch the scent of the carcass. Turkey vultures fly low to the ground in order to pick up the scent of dead animals, and are able to smell carrion from over a mile away. May 17, 2024 · When vultures sit with their wings spread, they aren't waiting for something to die! This posture, called the "horaltic pose," helps vultures thermoregulate and dry their feathers. Females likely do the same to signal receptiveness and assess potential mates. Turkey vultures are an important part of the SORA provides access to an extensive library of ornithological literature of international scope, and detailed material documenting the history of ornithology in North America over the last 120 years. On cooler days, the spread wings help trap body heat and keep the turkey vulture’s core warm. fzwrly bsfxzfa icpzyj bdpg qifx lgg xxkmfl loqkk yezll xdzsvf