Wild Turkey

The Wild Turkey is a massive, heavy-bodied ground bird. Adults have iridescent bronze-green plumage, bare heads (red, blue, or pink), and powerful legs. This feather captures the species' forest-floor camouflage and shimmering display colors.

Shows a deep brownish-black base with a distinct bronze-gold metallic iridescence. The tip has a dark subterminal band with a copper-bronze sheen.

Pennaceous and tightly interlocked in the upper two-thirds; plumulaceous (fluffy) at the base (downy section). The barbs are coarse and stiff.

Smooth and glossy on the pennaceous portion due to structural color (iridescence); stiff and relatively durable texture typical of ground-dwelling birds.

Bronze metallic iridescence, blunt rounded tip, and a thick, dark rachis that feels substantial for a body feather.

Found in mature forests with open understories, wooded swamps, and brushy pastures.

Year-round resident throughout most of the United States, Southern Canada, and portions of Mexico.

Omnivorous foragers that act as significant seed dispersers and prey for large predators like bobcats and coyotes.

May be confused with Black Vulture contour feathers, but Vulture feathers lack the metallic bronze iridescence and tend to be more matte.

The Wild Turkey was Benjamin Franklin's preferred choice for the national bird of the United States because of its 'respectable' and courageous nature.

Good condition; slight fraying at the edges suggesting it was a naturally molted feather (dropped during the annual molt). No significant sun bleaching.