Wild Turkey (Eastern Wild Turkey)

The Wild Turkey is a large, distinctive bird known for its iridescent bronze plumage, fan-shaped tail, and bare, brightly colored head in males. This sturdy flight feather showcases the characteristic dark and pale barring that helps camouflage the bird's massive wings when folded.

Rich dark brown to blackish tones with distinct, contrasting white or pale buff barring across the vanes, which is typical of Wild Turkey wing primaries.

Tightly interlocked pennaceous barbs along the main vane with strong hooklets, featuring a very small, rudimentary afterfeather near the base.

Stiff, smooth, and firm to the touch with a matte finish and high structural rigidity needed for powered flight.

Large size, robust ivory-colored rachis, and strong contrasting dark brown and white/buff transverse barring on an asymmetrical vane.

Open hardwood and mixed conifer-hardwood forests with scattered clearings, agricultural fields, and swamps.

Widespread throughout North America, introduced to parts of Hawaii and several other countries, inhabiting forested and semi-open landscapes.

Acts as an important seed disperser, predator of insects and small reptiles, and serves as prey for large mammalian and avian predators.

Other large gallinaceous birds or raptors, though the distinct bold barring and ivory shaft readily separate Wild Turkey primaries from hawk or owl feathers.

Despite their large size and heavy bodies, Wild Turkeys can fly in short bursts at speeds up to 55 mph and routinely roost high in trees overnight.

Good condition with minor wear at the very tip and slight separation of a few basal barbs.