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Here’s an image of a Turkey Vulture that I made just a few days ago:
Perching Turkey Vultures often have a somewhat disheveled appearance, but this one looks to be especially untidy. You may ask: what’s all of that white stuff on the bird’s back and shoulders?
Most likely, it is Turkey Vulture poop, or to use a genteel birder’s term, “white-wash.” That prompts a follow-up question: Why would a Turkey Vulture tolerate being pooped on by another or other vultures?
The answer lies in understanding Turkey Vulture society. Turkey Vultures are social birds. While they may be solitary at times, they very often roost in common, especially at night. Dozens of these big scavengers may occupy a roost, for example, perching together on the branches of a large tree. I’ve seen trees that are literally festooned with Turkey Vultures.
Some vultures get to roost higher than others when multiple birds share a tree. It’s assumed that the dominant vultures get the highest perches, relegating their inferiors to perches that are lower on the tree. The lower-ranking vultures pay a price for their social standing, and that is getting pooped on by their higher-perching superiors. White-wash is thus a badge of status, or in the case of Turkey Vultures, lack of status.
Image made with a Canon R5, Canon EF 400mm f4 DO II lens+Canon EF 1.4x telextender, supported by monopod, M setting (auto ISO), ISO 800, f5.6 @ 1/3200.
Sonoran Images 
Wow. The life of a low status Turkey Vulture is not easy!
not so much a pecking order as a sh…ing order. A bit like what some people observe about “trickle down” benefits in corporate structures.