Vulture

A vulture is a scavenging bird that feeds mainly on carcasses. Old World vultures belong to the hawk-and-eagle family, while New World vultures belong to a separate American lineage.

Carrion: Carrion is the dead body or flesh of an animal, especially when eaten by scavengers. It is the main food source that shapes vulture behavior and anatomy.
Accipitridae: Accipitridae is a family of birds that includes hawks, eagles, kites, and Old World vultures. Old World vultures are members of this family, unlike New World vultures.
Turkey vulture: The turkey vulture is a widespread New World vulture known for its strong sense of smell. It exemplifies the use of olfaction to find concealed carrion.
Ecological sanitation: Ecological sanitation is the breakdown and removal of waste and organic remains through natural processes. Vultures rapidly remove carcasses that could otherwise persist in the environment.
Olfaction in birds: Olfaction in birds is the detection and processing of airborne chemical signals. Turkey vultures use smell to locate carrion hidden beneath forest cover.
Cathartidae: Cathartidae is the family of New World vultures, including condors and turkey vultures. It contains the American vultures, which are not close relatives of Old World vultures.
Andean condor: The Andean condor is a large New World vulture native to the Andes and adjacent Pacific coasts. Its exceptional wingspan suits soaring over mountainous landscapes.
Diclofenac: Diclofenac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug used in veterinary and human medicine. Veterinary diclofenac caused catastrophic declines in several South Asian vulture species.
Thermal soaring: Thermal soaring is flight that gains altitude by circling within rising columns of warm air. It lets vultures search broad areas while spending little energy.
Beak: A beak is the hard external mouthpart of a bird, used for feeding and other tasks. A hooked beak helps tear flesh from carcasses.

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