Wild Turkey

A large, ground-dwelling bird with iridescent bronze plumage and a naked head. This feather shows the iconic 'barring' found on the wings, which provides camouflage while the bird is on the ground.

Distinctive high-contrast barring of dark brownish-black and crisp white/off-white. The dark bands are broad and well-defined, and the rachis is dark where it meets the pigmented barbs.

Tightly interlocked pennaceous barbs throughout most of the vane for structural integrity during flight; plumulaceous (downy) barbs located only at the very base near the calamus.

The surface is smooth and relatively stiff with a slight waxy sheen. The leading edge is firm to resist air pressure, while the trailing edge is more flexible.

Bold black-and-white horizontal barring, large size, and stiff, broad pennaceous structure typical of a Galliforme secondary.

Prefer open woodlands, forests with clearings, and agricultural fields where they can forage and find roosting trees.

Native to North America, ranging from southern Canada through the United States to central Mexico; non-migratory but may move locally for food.

An important prey species for large predators and a major seed disperser. Their foraging behavior (scratching) helps aerate forest soil.

Barred Owl (Strix varia) feathers have similar patterns but are much softer, with 'fringed' edges for silent flight. Ruffed Grouse feathers are much smaller.

Benjamin Franklin famously praised the Wild Turkey as a 'Bird of Courage' and a more respectable national symbol than the Bald Eagle. They are surprisingly fast, capable of running 25 mph and flying 55 mph.

Excellent condition; the barbs are fully intact with no significant fraying or 'fault bars' (stress lines), suggesting a healthy individual.