Wild Turkey
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Galliformes, Family: Phasianidae, Genus: Meleagris, Species: Meleagris gallopavo
Family: Phasianidae (Pheasants, Grouse, and Turkeys)
- Shape
- Broadly rounded and spatulate; slightly tapered at the distal tip with a wide, flared base.
- Size
- Estimated 2.5 to 3.5 inches in length. Typical for flank or lower breast contour feathers of a large gallinaceous bird.
- Rarity
- Common (Abundant and widespread across its range).
Found a feather like this?
Identify any feather from a photo, free.
Description
This feather belongs to the Wild Turkey, North America's largest game bird. Adult turkeys are heavy-bodied with long necks and bare heads. Their plumage is a complex mosaic of iridescent bronzes, greens, and browns. This specific contour feather provides the bird with its layered, scale-like appearance while the downy base traps heat against the skin.
Colour & Pattern
Base color is a dark sepia or dusky brown. Features a distinct, pale cream-to-white translucent band near the tip and a second faint mottled band lower down. Iridescent bronzing may be present but appears matte in this lighting.
Barb Structure
Mixed; pennaceous (interlocked) at the tip and along the upper margins for structural integrity, transitioning to highly plumulaceous (downy) at the base for insulation.
Texture & Surface
Smooth and somewhat stiff at the pennaceous tip; very soft, silky, and voluminous at the downy base. Surface is matte with a slightly fibrous appearance.
Key Features
Distinctive cream-colored 'crescent' band near the tip, large fluffy white plumulaceous base, and dark dusky-brown distal vane characteristic of Phasianidae contour feathers.
Habitat
Open woodlands, hardwood forests with scattered openings, pastures, and agricultural fields. They prefer areas with tall trees for roosting and dense ground cover for nesting.
Geographic Range
Widespread throughout North America, from southern Canada through most of the United States into central Mexico. Non-migratory resident.
Ecological Role
Omnivorous foragers that act as seed dispersers and insect population controllers. They are a primary prey species for large predators like bobcats and coyotes.
Similar Species
Ruffed Grouse (smaller, different banding) or Female Ring-necked Pheasant (more intricate mottling, generally smaller feathers).
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 run at speeds up to 25 mph and fly up to 55 mph over short distances.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Shows some signs of wear and separation at the distal barbs (pennaceous portion) and a slightly bent rachis, suggesting it was molted or found in leaf litter.