Wild Turkey
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Galliformes, Family: Phasianidae, Genus: Meleagris, Species: Meleagris gallopavo · Phasianidae (Pheasants, Grouse, and Turkeys) · Primary flight feather (Remex), likely P9 or P10 based on the extreme asymmetry and narrowness of the outer vane.
Species
Meleagris gallopavo
Feather Type
Primary flight feather (Remex), likely P9 or P10 based on the extreme asymmetry and narrowness of the outer vane.
Family
Phasianidae (Pheasants, Grouse, and Turkeys)
Shape
Highly asymmetrical, elongated, and tapered. The outer vane is significantly narrower than the inner vane, a classic feature of outer primary feathers for aerodynamic efficiency.
Size
Approximately 10-14 inches (25-35 cm). This size is consistent with the outer primaries of an adult Wild Turkey.
Rarity
Very Common; Wild Turkeys have seen a massive recovery in population over the last several decades and are abundant throughout their range.
Color & Pattern
Solid iridescent blackish-brown with a bronze or copper sheen. Unlike many standard Turkey feathers, this lacks the distinct white horizontal barring often seen in the inner primaries, which is typical for the outermost feathers of certain subspecies or age classes.
Barb Structure
Pennaceous; the barbs are stiff and tightly interlocked to provide a solid surface for flight. The base shows small traces of plumulaceous (downy) barbs near the superior umbilicus.
Texture & Surface
Stiff, smooth, and notably glossy. The surface has a metallic sheen caused by structural coloration that reflects light in copper or oil-slick tones.
Description
This is a massive, powerful flight feather from a Wild Turkey, the largest game bird in North America. The bird itself is heavy-bodied with long legs, a fan-shaped tail, and bare skin on the head. In sunlight, their dark feathers explode into iridescent greens, bronzes, and golds. They are known for their 'gobbling' vocalizations and impressive courtship displays.
Key Features
Large size, thick pale rachis, extreme asymmetry of the vanes, and a dark bronze-black iridescence without white banding on this specific outer primary.
Habitat
Open woodlands, hardwood forests with scattered openings, pastures, and increasingly in suburban areas where there is adequate cover and roosting trees.
Geographic Range
Native to North America. Found throughout the United States, Southern Canada, and parts of Northern Mexico. They are non-migratory permanent residents.
Condition Notes
Good condition overall, though the inner vane shows some 'splitting' or separation of the barbs, which naturally occurs during the molt or due to physical stress during flight.
Interesting Facts
The Wild Turkey was Benjamin Franklin's preferred choice for the national bird of the United States over the Bald Eagle. Turkeys can fly up to 55 mph in short bursts and roost in trees at night for safety.
Ecological Role
They are important seed dispersers and high-level foragers that consume insects, nuts (mast), and small reptiles. They serve as a vital prey species for large predators like coyotes and bobcats.
Similar Species
Black Vulture primaries (shorter and lack the bronze sheen) or Common Raven (slimmer rachis, different curvature, and pure black color).