Juvenile Cathartes Vulture in Brazil (1 Viewer)

Hi guys,

I've this old photo (Janary 2009) that I identified only thanks to the parents around. Well, a lost bird is not impossible and, more important, I'm looking for features to identify juvenile vultures in case I see one alone. I found litterature poor on the subject. All 3 Turkey, Lesser Yellow-headed and Greater Yellow-headed occur around the area, near Manaus.

Can you be kind enough to tell me how would you identify that individual and, as important, based on what features ?

THANKSSSS

I'm confused, have you identified the above species and are speculating as to what a juvenile would look like or are you suggesting that this is a juv?

andyadcock said:

I'm confused, have you identified the above species and are speculating as to what a juvenile would look like or are you suggesting that this is a juv?

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It is a juv I've seen with adults, I guess its parents, so I believe I know the identification. I'm looking for features to confirm (or not) the species.

The pale head with darker bill, suggest a sub adult rather than juvenile which would have an all dark head?

I'd say GYH based on head colour/ pattern and feet seem to be grey, contrasting with paler legs but their habit of defacting on their legs could mislead.

andyadcock said:

The pale head with darker bill, suggest a sub adult rather than juvenile which would have an all dark head?

I'd say GYH based on head colour/ pattern and feet seem to be grey, contrasting with paler legs but their habit of defacting on their legs could mislead.

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It was with adult Great Yellow-headed Vultures indeed, that's confirming then. Wings too short for Lesser YhV, but I was wondering how to exclude local Turkey Vulture (ruficollis).

Thanks Andy.