Wild Turkey

This feather represents the rugged yet beautiful plumage of the Wild Turkey, North America's largest game bird. The bird itself is heavy-bodied with long legs, a naked head, and iridescent plumage that shifts from bronze to green in the sun.

Ochraceous-brown with dark iridescent black or copper-bronze terminal banding. The pattern is typical of the camouflaged body feathers that create the bird's overall dark, metallic appearance.

Densely pennaceous at the tip with a loosely plumulaceous (downy) base. The barbs are tightly interlocked where visible, suggesting water-repellant properties.

Relatively stiff and smooth at the tip, transitioning to a soft, silky down at the base. The upper surface has a slight waxy or glossy sheen.

Bold dark terminal banding, iridescent sheen, and a stiff rachis typical of Galliformes (ground-dwelling birds).

Found in mixed coniferous and hardwood forests, open woodlands, and adjacent agricultural fields or pastures.

Resident throughout much of North America, from southern Canada throughout the United States to central Mexico.

Important seed dispersers and prey for large predators like bobcats and coyotes. They help control insect populations through ground-foraging.

Ring-necked Pheasant (feathers are usually more colorful/ornate) or Ruffed Grouse (feathers are shorter and more blunted with different banding).

The Wild Turkey was Benjamin Franklin's preferred choice for the national bird of the United States over the Bald Eagle, citing its 'respectable' character.

Good; showing typical wear for a molted feather. The edges are slightly frayed, and the downy base is partially matted, typical of feathers found on the ground.