Wild Turkey

This is a majestic tail feather from a Wild Turkey, North America's largest game bird. The bird is characterized by a large, heavy body, long neck, and naked head with fleshy wattles. The plumage is generally dark with bronze and green iridescence.

Distinctive alternating bands of dark iridescent bronze-brown and light buff/cream. The bands are somewhat wavy and provide excellent camouflage in dappled forest light.

The upper two-thirds are pennaceous with tightly interlocked barbs creating a cohesive vane; the base is highly plumulaceous (downy) for insulation.

The surface is somewhat stiff and coarse with a slight subtle gloss or iridescence on the dark bands; the lower plumulaceous section is extremely soft.

Strong horizontal banding (barring), large size, thick dark rachis, and the presence of a wide downy base.

Mature hardwood and mixed conifer forests interspersed with open clearings, fields, and pastures.

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

Generalist foragers that serve as prey for large predators and help disperse seeds. They are an important indicator of forest health.

Domestic Turkey feathers are nearly identical but often have white tips; Great Horned Owl feathers have a soft, 'velvety' surface texture for silent flight which this specimen lacks.

Benjamin Franklin famously preferred the Wild Turkey over the Bald Eagle as a national symbol, calling it a 'Bird of Courage.' Turkeys can fly up to 55 mph in short bursts.

Good condition; slight fraying at the tip and some separation of the barbs (splits) consistent with natural wear and handling.