The Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura) is native to the Americas. Its geographical distribution extends from southern Canada through most of the United States and Central America, down to the southern tip of South America in Tierra del Fuego. This species is highly adaptable and can be found in a variety of regions, including subtropical, temperate, and tropical areas.

Turkey Vultures typically inhabit open and semi-open areas, such as grasslands, shrublands, deserts, subtropical forests, and pasturelands. They are often found near areas that provide thermals for soaring, as they rely on rising air currents for efficient flight. The species can thrive in a range of climatic conditions, from dry deserts to humid forests.

As scavengers, Turkey Vultures play a critical ecological role by consuming carrion, thus helping to clean up dead animals and recycle nutrients back into the ecosystem. They have a highly developed sense of smell, unusual among birds, which they use to locate carcasses. Their adaptability to various environments and climates allows them to exploit food resources effectively across a vast geographic range.