Until fairly recently, our vultures were classified as birds of prey along with eagles and hawks; now, though they are in the same order as the birds of prey, they are considered members of their own 'old world vultures' family. They are joined, in this family, by the California Condor of the west coast of the United States.

These big birds are characterized not only by their large size, but also have unfeathered heads, and a hooked bill (aiding in consuming carrion). Recent evidence indicates a relationship to storks.