This is a young bird hatched this year, still with a mostly dark head. I was particularly interested in the pale frame to the back of the head which is similar to the white collar seen on adults in the tropics (Cathartes aura ruficollis). However, in North American birds I suspect this is age-related. Has anybody noticed, this pale outline to the back of the head on North American Turkey Vultures?
This photos also clearly shows the perforate septum, characteristic of North American vultures.
Digiscoped with Panasonic DMC-LX5 | Nikon FieldScope III | 30XWA | hand-held (no adapter).