What distinguishing plumage feature is present on the neck of the Red-headed Vulture (Sarcogyps calvus) but is absent in the Turkey Vulture (C. aura)?
Answer
A prominent white feathered ruff
The Red-headed Vulture (*Sarcogyps calvus*) possesses a specific feather characteristic around its neck that differs significantly from the Turkey Vulture. The Asian species features a prominent white ruff of feathers encircling its neck base. This feature is explicitly noted as being absent in the Turkey Vulture, which instead shows a more continuous transition or different feather structure, allowing the white ruff to serve as a clear visual marker for identifying *S. calvus*.
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