Catalog Number:
401248
Object/Specimen Description:

This specimen is a feather from a Turkey Vulture. Turkey Vultures are large birds that feed on carrion. The feather measures 44 cm long and 7.5 cm wide.

Specimen Count:
1
Upper Level Taxonomy:
Animalia, Chordata, Vertebrata, Tetrapoda, Aves, Accipitriformes, Cathartidae

The classic raptor is an eagle with its sharp claws (talons) clutching a fish. Most raptors are powerful flyers who swoop down and use strong legs and talons to carry prey off (raptor = one who seizes and carries away). However, feeding varies depending on habitat. Raptors that live in open habitats with a view of the ground glide (soar) in the sky looking for prey. Some close their wings to plummet like missiles towards prey. Raptors who live in bushy habitats may hunt from perches, waiting on a branch until prey is spotted. A common rural sight is raptors perched on power lines along highways, watching for prey below. Some raptors have camouflaging plumage and rely on ambushing their prey from a hidden position. A subset of raptors, the vultures, feed on dead animals (carrion). All raptors have keen eyesight, allowing them to spot prey from as far as several hundred meters.