Wild Turkey

A massive ground-dwelling bird with iridescent bronze plumage, a naked head with fleshy wattles, and a distinctive fan-shaped tail used in displays.

Dusky brown to charcoal gray base with distinct, bold creamy-white or buff horizontal bars across both vanes; the rachis is light-colored/ivory.

Densely packed and pennaceous (firmly interlocked) throughout the length for flight efficiency; plumulaceous (downy) at the very base near the calamus for insulation.

Smooth and very stiff; the leading edge is particularly rigid to withstand wind pressure, while the surface has a slight matte to low-gloss finish.

Large size (over 15 inches), strong asymmetry, and the characteristic 'ladder-back' white and brown barring typical of Galliformes primaries.

Open woodlands, hardwood forests with scattered clearings, pastures, and agricultural fields.

Resident throughout most of North America, from southern Canada through the United States and into parts of northern Mexico.

Omnivorous foragers that help control insect populations and disperse seeds; they serve as a major prey source for large predators like coyotes and bobcats.

Golden Eagle (larger, lacks white barring), Great Horned Owl (softer texture, fringed edges), and other large raptors (usually more mottled or banded than barred).

Wild Turkeys can fly up to 55 mph over short distances and roost in trees at night to avoid ground predators despite their heavy weight.

Good condition; showing minor wear at the tip and some separation of the barbs (splits) near the mid-section; calamus is intact.