Turkey Vultures are a fairly common sight in the Toronto area except in winter.

It was interesting to see their southern cousin, the Black Vulture, in Peru.

Black Vultures are similar to Turkey Vultures, but with shorter wings pale only near tips and a much shorter tail.

The dark grey head has no red colour.

I never see Turkey Vultures perched downtown in Toronto but this is a common sight in Lima, Peru. I suspect that they outcompete pigeons for these spots.

They are found in central urban areas because, unlike the Turkey Vulture, they do not feed only on carrion. Garbage is included in their diet.

I was amused to see this one going in and out of an apartment window.

Miles Hearn