Wild Turkey (Eastern Wild Turkey, Merriam's Wild Turkey)

The Wild Turkey is a large, iconic North American game bird known for its distinctive bare, blue and red head, fan-shaped tail, and dark, iridescent plumage. Body feathers like this one exhibit breathtaking bronze and copper iridescence, serving an important role in male display during the spring mating season.

Rich dark brown to black base with a striking iridescent bronze, copper, and green sheen under bright light, terminating in a distinct black or dark brown subterminal band and a pale buff or whitish tip.

Pennaceous at the tip with interlocked barbs creating a solid, velvety colored margin, transitioning to a softer, semiplume-like plumulaceous base near the quill.

Smooth and velvety at the distal edge with a soft, pliable base. Matte to satin-like luster with strong iridescent metallic sheens of bronze and copper.

Distinctive broad, rounded tip with a dark subterminal band and pale terminal fringe, combined with strong metallic bronze/copper iridescence on dark brown background.

Open hardwood and mixed conifer-hardwood forests with scattered clearings, agricultural fields, pastures, and swampy bottomlands.

Native and widely distributed across North America, ranging from wooded areas of southern Canada through most of the United States down to central Mexico.

Acts as an important seed disperser, predator of insects and small reptiles, and serves as a key prey species for large raptors and mammalian carnivores.

Domestic turkey feathers (which can show more white, gray, or complete black variations) and large grouse or pheasant body feathers, which are typically smaller and have different patterning.

Wild turkeys can fly in short bursts up to 55 mph and can run at speeds up to 25 mph. Despite their heavy bodies, they easily roost high in trees overnight to avoid predators.

Good condition with intact barbs, clean rachis, and no visible major fraying or structural damage, displaying vibrant coloration.