What is a large black bird with a red head?

Answer by  malone (4817)

It's probably a Turkey Vulture. Fascinating, social birds. Nature's garbage collectors. Soar on the thermals. Won't bother living creatures of any kind. Read about them online. They are pretty amazing, even if they're not the most handsome bird!

Answer by  mthomasauer (24)

This bird is a Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura). It feeds on carrion, which is why it has no feathers on its head. If it had feathers on its head, it would get incredibly messy as it fed on the bleeding viscera of dead animal corpses. These birds also soar well.

Answer by  BrendaG (6111)

This depends on what part of the country you live in. Spruce grouse live in far northern territories. Pileated woodpeckers love West Virginia. Turkey vultures thrive spring/summer in most places.

Answer by  worker2746 (2434)

This could very likely be a piliated woodpecker. If it also has white spots on it, then most likely this is the bird species that you are seeing. It is the largest of its type.

Answer by  worker8388 (994)

It looks like spruce grouse,usually found in canada and Alaska,northern border states. It's obviously some sort of game bird. They are legal to hunt in canada.