Last week’s object was a bit too difficult – passerine skeletons are tricky to identify. This week I have something a bit easier for you to identify:
Put your questions, comments and suggestions below and I’ll do my best to respond. Good luck!
Zygoma
Adventures in natural history collections
Zygoma 
Something about the profile suggests vulture rather than eagle.
Well spotted!
I think I know what this is, but I’m afraid my guess will be too obvious, and I’ll end up looking like a turkey.
I think I know what your guess is and you’re right – it is too obvious!
In that case, I’d imagine it’s one if it’s flashier cousins. Unless it’s a spectacular case of convergent evolution from somewhere else. : )
I’m pulling my hair out over this. It’s not a condor, and it’s too thin and elegant for some of the African vultures like the Griffin, it is a lot like the Turkey Vultures I’ve seen.
The key term ‘like’ is key here – this bird isn’t a turkey of any kind.
Would I be fishing in the wrong pond to ask if this is a bird with such good eyesight it is a cliche?
Yes, you would indeed be fishing in the wrong pond…
Too long and pointy to be a hawk. At first I thought osprey, but now looking at it makes me think of pan flutes – so I say condor, though it seems a bit small so I say: baby condor.
Not baby and not condor I’m afraid!
Okay, if the obvious choice causes one to feel like a turkey, then maybe a lesser xanthicephalic choice would prove to be cathartic? Ha ha, fun with Latin roots. Seriously though, could that be what it is?
Yes, indeed it could!
Turkey vulture is the one it looks most like on skullsite.com, even though you’ve said it isn’t.
Is it from cathartidae ? Is it a lesser yellow-headed vulture ?
Maybe ;P
It’s another bird.
Correct.
Has the answer been published ? Can’t see it yet.
No answer yet I’m afraid Jake – been too busy to write it! Will try to get this done later today.
Sorry everyone, my and my mother’s fault. To miss one’s mother’s birthday might just be forgiven, to miss one’s grandmother’s even worse, but when they are on consecutive days …..