Wild Turkey

A large, ground-dwelling bird known for its heavy body, long neck, and fan-shaped tail. This specific feather shows the dual-purpose design of turkey plumage: a sturdy outer layer for protection and a thick downy under-layer for warmth. Wild Turkeys have iridescent plumage that can appear green, copper, or bronze depending on the light.

The pennaceous tip is a solid, dark olive-brown to bronze with a subtle metallic sheen; the downy base transitions to a smoky grey or charcoal

The top third is pennaceous (interlocked), while the lower two-thirds are highly plumulaceous (downy and fluffy) for insulation; lacks a prominent aftershaft

The tip is smooth and somewhat stiff with a matte to semi-glossy finish, while the base is exceptionally soft, airy, and silky to the touch

Dark brown pennaceous tip, extensive smoky-grey downy base, and a relatively thick, sturdy rachis for its size

Preferred habitats include hardwood and mixed conifer-hardwood forests with scattered openings such as pastures, fields, and orchards

Resident across most of the United States, Southern Canada, and parts of Mexico; they do not migrate long distances

An important prey species for large predators and an omnivorous forager that helps control insect populations and disperses seeds via its droppings.

Feathers from a Female Ring-necked Pheasant are smaller and usually have more intricate mottling; Canada Goose body feathers are typically more curved and lighter grey.

Benjamin Franklin famously praised the Wild Turkey as a 'Bird of Courage' and a more 'respectable' representative of America than the Bald Eagle. Turkeys can run up to 25 mph and fly up to 55 mph for short distances.

Excellent condition; the barbs are mostly intact and the downy portion remains lofted, suggesting a recent molt or loss