The turkey vulture received its common name from the resemblance of the adult's bald red head and dark plumage to that of the male wild turkey, while the name "vulture" is derived from the Latin word vulturus, meaning "tearer", and is a reference to its feeding habits. [11]

Turkey Vultures appear black from a distance but up close are dark brown with a featherless red head and pale bill. While most of their body and forewing are dark, the undersides of the flight feathers (along the trailing edge and wingtips) are paler, giving a two-toned appearance.

Large brown vulture with small, bare red head. In good light or at close range both brown plumage and red head separate Turkey Vulture from Black Vulture (left). Juveniles have an ashy-gray colored naked head. Immatures have the naked head dusky red in color.

Turkey vultures get their name from the fact that their heads are red and featherless, just like a turkey’s head. However, the reason for each species to have evolved a bald, brightly colored head is very different from each other.