“Cathartes” is a genus of vultures in the family Accipitridae. This genus includes species such as the Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura) and the Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture (Cathartes burrovianus). The name “Cathartes” is derived from the Greek word “kathartes,” meaning “purifier,” which reflects the scavenging nature of these birds and their role in cleaning up dead animals from the environment.
