Wild Turkey

This is a primary tail feather from a Wild Turkey, a large, ground-dwelling bird known for its iridescent plumage and fan-shaped tail. Mature males (toms) use these feathers in elaborate courtship displays to attract hens.

Dark chocolate brown to iridescent black base with prominent, evenly spaced tan/buff horizontal barring. It features a wide black subterminal band followed by a distinct white or light buff terminal tip, characteristic of the Merriam's or Eastern subspecies depending on white saturation.

Densely packed pennaceous barbs near the top for structural integrity, transitioning to plumulaceous (downy) barbs at the base of the calamus for insulation.

Coarse and stiff to the touch. The upper surface has a slight metallic luster or iridescence when viewed in direct light, while the underside is more matte.

Distinguished by its large size, rigid structure, regular tan-on-brown barring, and the characteristic white or buff terminal band at the tip.

Open woodlands, mature forests with nut-bearing trees (oaks, hickories), and adjacent grassy clearings or agricultural fields.

Native to North America. Found throughout the United States, Southern Canada, and parts of Mexico. Significant populations exist in almost every US state.

Omnivorous foragers that help control insect populations and disperse seeds. They serve as a vital prey species for large predators like bobcats and coyotes.

May be confused with a Ruffed Grouse tail feather, which is much smaller, or a domestic turkey feather, which often shows more uniform white or stark coloration.

Benjamin Franklin famously preferred the Wild Turkey over the Bald Eagle as a national symbol, praising it as a 'Bird of Courage.' Turkeys can fly up to 55 mph and run up to 25 mph.

Fair to Good. There is significant fraying and separation of the barbs at the tip (flagging), likely due to contact with brush or ground-level wear before molting.