turkey vulture etymology

Etymology:

The word "turkey vulture" is a compound noun derived from two separate words:

• Turkey: Named after the country Turkey, where the bird was originally discovered by European explorers.
• Vulture: Derived from the Latin word "vultur," meaning "bird of prey."

Meaning:

A turkey vulture is a large, scavenging bird that feeds primarily on carrion (dead animals). It is characterized by its red head and neck, black body, and white wing tips. Turkey vultures play an important ecological role by removing decaying matter from the environment.

Origin:

The turkey vulture is native to the Americas. It is found from southern Canada to the southern tip of South America. There are two subspecies of the turkey vulture:

• Cathartes aura aura: Found in North and Central America.
• Cathartes aura ruficollis: Found in South America.

The turkey vulture has a long history of interaction with humans. Native American tribes used its wing feathers for ceremonial purposes. In some cultures, the turkey vulture is associated with death and decay.

turkey vulture relate terms

• turkey

  Etymology The word turkey derives from the following sources Old French Turkie M

• vulture

  Etymology The word vulture comes from the Latin vultur which is derived from the Pr

• svelte

  Etymology Late Latin sveltus meaning graceful slender Old Norse sverta meaning to