Wild Turkey

Large, heavy-bodied ground birds with long legs and a wide, fan-shaped tail. While males are known for their colorful 'wattle' and iridescent plumage, their feathers are primarily earthy tones of brown and black for camouflage while nesting or foraging.

Solid medium-to-dark brown or copper-bronze across the pennaceous vane. The downy base is a grayish-buff. In some lights, the dark tip may show a subtle iridescent sheen characteristic of adult plumage.

Dual structure: the upper half is pennaceous (stiff and interlocked) while the lower half is highly plumulaceous (downy and fluffy) to provide insulation.

The pennaceous tip is smooth and somewhat stiff, while the base is extremely soft, silky, and insulating. The overall surface is matte to semi-glossy.

The broad, paddle-like shape combined with a very large, fluffy plumulaceous base; consistent medium brown coloration without the barring seen in flight feathers.

Open woodlands, hardwood forests with scattered openings, pastures, and increasingly common in suburban areas with tree cover.

Year-round resident across most of North America, from southern Canada throughout the United States and into parts of Mexico.

High-level foragers that consume mast (acorns), seeds, and insects. They serve as a vital prey species for large carnivores and help disperse seeds across their habitat.

Female Ring-necked Pheasant (smaller feathers, usually more mottled), or Female Mallard (more curved, typically have a distinct U-shaped pattern on contour feathers).

Ben Franklin famously praised the Turkey as a 'Bird of Courage' and a more respectable emblem than the Bald Eagle. Turkeys can fly up to 55 mph over short distances and roost in trees at night for protection.

Good condition, though there is some minor separation of the barbs (splits) along the left margin of the vane. The calamus appears intact, suggesting it was naturally molted.