turkey vulture

noun

: an American vulture (Cathartes aura) with a red head and whitish bill

called also turkey buzzard

Examples of turkey vulture in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Black vultures, as their name indicates, have black coloring on their heads, while turkey vultures' heads are bright red (like wild turkeys). — Phaedra Trethan, USA TODAY, 21 Feb. 2025 Black vultures also are more aggressive than turkey vultures. — Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 18 Feb. 2025 And turkey vultures occasionally cover the roof of their home. — Ames Alexander, Charlotte Observer, 26 Jan. 2025 According to the report published by the Federal Aviation Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services in March 2023, two turkey vultures collided with a B-737 Max 8 departing Jose Marti International Airport out of Cuba. — Jaclyn Diaz, NPR, 31 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for turkey vulture

Word History

First Known Use

1823, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of turkey vulture was in 1823

Rhymes for turkey vulture

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“Turkey vulture.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/turkey%20vulture. Accessed 2 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

turkey vulture

noun
: an American vulture with a red head and whitish bill

called also turkey buzzard

More from Merriam-Webster on turkey vulture

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about turkey vulture

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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