Wild Turkey

A magnificent, large ground-dwelling bird. Adult males are dark with iridescent bronze, green, and copper feathers, a 'beard' of modified feathers on the chest, and a bare, colorful head. This flight feather reflects the bird's power, allowing a heavy bird to achieve fast, short-distance flight.

Distinctive barred or mottled pattern. Dark brownish-black bands alternate with off-white to creamy beige bars. The 'jagged' or 'toothed' appearance of the white bars is a classic diagnostic marker for the species.

Densely pennaceous throughout the majority of the vane with stiff, interlocking barbs. The base shows a small amount of plumulaceous (downy) structure near the calamus. The leading edge barbs are exceptionally stiff.

Very stiff and durable texture. The surface is matte with a slightly waxy feel, providing water resistance. The trailing edge is smooth while the leading edge is very rigid.

Bold white-and-dark-brown barring, large size (over 12 inches), extreme asymmetry of the vanes, and a thick, sturdy rachis.

Open woodlands, mature forests with scattered openings, oak-hickory stands, and increasingly in agricultural fields and suburban fringes.

Common throughout North America, from southern Canada through the most of the United States into central Mexico. Highly resident and non-migratory.

Omnivorous foragers that act as seed dispersers and help control insect populations. They are a primary prey species for large predators like cougars, bobcats, and coyotes.

Golden Eagle (lacks toothed barring), Great Horned Owl (softer texture, different barring style), or various large vultures (lack the white barred pattern).

Wild Turkeys were almost chosen as the national bird of the U.S. by Benjamin Franklin. They can fly up to 55 mph in short bursts and roost in trees at night to avoid ground predators.

Good to Excellent. The tip shows very minor wear, but the barbs remain well-zipped. The calamus is intact, suggesting it was naturally molted rather than pulled.