Cathartes Aura, commonly known as the Turkey Vulture, is a scavenging bird found in the Americas. There are a number of synonyms for this species, including Cathartes aura, the Latin binomial nomenclature; John James Audubon's name for this species, "Turkey Buzzard"; and its alternate name in some parts of the United States, the "Buzzard". It is sometimes called a "Black Vulture" because of its dark feathers, although this can be confusing as there is a separate species called the "Black Vulture" that is found in the same range as the Turkey Vulture. Whatever name you prefer, the Turkey Vulture is a fascinating and important species, playing a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of its habitat.