The most widespread of all New World vultures, the Turkey Vulture is a dutiful scavenger who can be seen cleaning up roadkill on a regular basis. They lack a syrinx, the vocal box of all birds, and thus only hisses or grunts.

Though they have been demonized by farmers for carrying diseases or killing livestock, this is all false with the latter being a case of mistaken identity with the Black Vulture. Indeed, the Turkey Vulture is important to the mythology of multiple First Nation groups. The Lenape see him as the once beautiful white bird who saved the Earth from the Sun coming too close, and in the process sacrificing his good looks. He teaches us modesty, and to take on responsibilities that are necessary, but may be uncomfortable.