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Description:
Comments: The most common vulture in the Americas. Turkey Vultures are more closely related to storks than they are to Old World vultures. The similarities are due to convergent evolution. This bird got its common name because the adult's bald red head was thought to resemble that of a male Wild Turkey.
Circling vultures do not necessarily indicate the presence of a carcass. Circling vultures may be gaining altitude for long flights, searching for food, or playing.
A group of vultures is called a "Venue". Vultures circling in the air are a "Kettle".
Source: Wikipedia
Lots of other gross details, but you can go to Wikipedia to learn how this bird protects itself from predators and bacteria. yuck.