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
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During springtime, the region brims with migrating turkey vultures alongside species like the red-naped sapsucker, flammulated owl and violet-green swallow, while winter is the perfect time to marvel at raptors like the merlin and bald eagle. Jared Ranahan, Forbes, 1 Dec. 2024 Related Articles Why can’t Oakland hummingbird decide whether to sit or hover at the feeder? Alameda County detects bird flu in child with mild symptoms PG&E blames birds for random East Bay power outages Should chicken hobbyist be concerned about two dead turkey vultures in a neighbor’s yard? Lisa M. Krieger, The Mercury News, 30 Nov. 2024 Related Articles Should chicken hobbyist be concerned about two dead turkey vultures in a neighbor’s yard? Lisa Bloch, The Mercury News, 19 Nov. 2024 She’s had to rescue plenty of owls and even a turkey vulture from soccer nets, and encourages people to take them down at the end of the day. Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 14 Oct. 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

Dictionary Entries Near turkey vulture

Cite this Entry

“Turkey vulture.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/turkey%20vulture. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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