Wild Turkey (Eastern Wild Turkey)

The Wild Turkey is a large, striking upland bird known for its iridescent plumage, fan-like tail, and bare, brightly colored head in males. This contour feather exhibits the classic rich earth tones and terminal band characteristic of the species body feathers, which play a major role in visual displays during courtship.

Rich dark brown to iridescent bronze base with a broad, velvety black subterminal band and a distinct light buff or creamy-white tip

Pennaceous upper portion with tightly interlocked barbs and barbicels, transitioning into a fluffy, plumulaceous base with loose, down-like barbs

Smooth and firm on the upper pennaceous portion, transitioning to soft and fluffy at the base

Distinctive velvety black subterminal band bordered by a light buff-to-white tip, combined with a broad, rounded shape and bronze-brown iridescence

Deciduous and mixed coniferous-deciduous forests with scattered clearings, agricultural fields, and wooded swamps

Native to North America, ranging from wooded areas of southern Canada through most of the United States down to central Mexico

Acts as both a seed disperser and a significant prey species for large mammalian and avian predators, helping maintain forest and grassland understory dynamics

Domestic turkey feathers or certain large grouse species, though domestic turkeys often show white or barred color anomalies, and grouse feathers are typically much smaller

Wild turkeys can run at speeds up to 25 mph and fly in short bursts up to 55 mph. Despite their heavy bodies, they routinely roost high up in trees overnight to escape predators.

Good condition with intact barbs and minimal wear, suggesting it was naturally molted in a clean environment