Wild Turkey
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Galliformes, Family: Phasianidae, Genus: Meleagris, Species: Meleagris gallopavo · Phasianidae (Pheasants, Grouse, and Turkeys) · Secondary flight feather (remex)
Species
Meleagris gallopavo
Feather Type
Secondary flight feather (remex)
Family
Phasianidae (Pheasants, Grouse, and Turkeys)
Shape
Broadly rounded tip with a slightly asymmetrical vane, typical of secondary flight feathers in large terrestrial birds.
Size
Approximately 8-10 inches in length; width is roughly 2 inches. This fits within the standard range for an adult Wild Turkey secondary.
Rarity
Common; populations have recovered significantly across North America and are now widespread in rural and suburban areas.
Color & Pattern
Alternating bold bands of dark brownish-black and lighter grayish-brown or buff. The light bands are slightly irregular and characteristic of turkey wing feathers.
Barb Structure
Mostly pennaceous with a firm, interlocked vane for flight; plumulaceous (downy) at the base near the calamus for insulation.
Texture & Surface
The surface is matte and slightly coarse to the touch. The vane is very rigid to withstand the weight of a large bird during heavy, flapping takeoffs.
Description
This is a robust, banded wing feather from a Wild Turkey. Turkeys are the heaviest Galliformes in North America, known for their iridescent bronze plumage, fan-shaped tails, and distinctive wattle and snood. This feather supported the bird in short, powerful bursts of flight.
Key Features
Bold, regular dark and light horizontal banding; broad, rounded tip; thick, pale rachis; large size relative to other forest birds.
Habitat
Mature forests with open understories, interspersed with agricultural fields, pastures, and edge habitats.
Geographic Range
Resident throughout most of North America, from southern Canada through the United States to central Mexico. Non-migratory.
Condition Notes
The feather appears to be in Good condition. There is minimal fraying at the tip, though the downy base shows some soil contact. No significant fault bars are visible.
Interesting Facts
Wild Turkeys were almost hunted to extinction by the early 1900s, but intensive conservation efforts have brought them back to a population of over 6 million today. Ben Franklin famously praised the turkey as a 'respectable' bird compared to the Bald Eagle.
Ecological Role
Turkeys are omnivorous foragers that disperse seeds and consume large quantities of insects. They serve as a major prey species for large predators like bobcats and coyotes.
Similar Species
Barred Owl (softer texture, different banding), Red-shouldered Hawk (more contrasted black/white), or Greater Sage-Grouse (smaller, different range).