Wild Turkey

A large, heavy-bodied ground bird. This feather is a deep, earthy brown, reflecting the bird's camouflage among forest floor leaf litter. The bird itself is distinguished by its fan-shaped tail, wattled neck, and powerful legs.

Uniform dark chocolate brown to iridescent bronzy-black. This specific feather lacks the bold white barring seen in outer wings, suggesting it is from a darker interior secondary or a female/juvenile specimen. Subtle iridescent sheen visible in direct light.

Densely packed pennaceous barbs throughout the distal two-thirds, becoming plumulaceous (donwy) at the base. Hooklets are well-developed for a cohesive wing surface.

Smooth and slightly stiff upper surface; the ventral side is matte. The feather feels sturdy and somewhat oily to the touch, providing some water resistance.

Broad, rounded tip; rigid brown rachis; uniform dark coloration without barring; sturdy barb structure typical of heavy ground-dwelling flyers.

Open woodlands, forests with clearings, and agricultural fields. They prefer areas with large trees for roosting and dense undergrowth for nesting.

Found throughout North America, from Southern Canada through the United States to Central Mexico. They are non-migratory residents.

Omnivorous foragers that act as significant seed dispersers and insect predators. They serve as a primary prey source for large predators like coyotes and bobcats.

Black Vulture (feathers are usually darker/blacker and more tapered), Canada Goose (feathers are more grayish-brown and usually narrower).

Wild Turkeys were almost selected as the national bird of the United States. They can fly at speeds up to 55 mph and run up to 25 mph. They roost in trees at night to avoid ground predators.

Good condition. There is minor fraying at the tip and along the trailing edge, likely from contact with vegetation. No significant fault bars or parasitic damage visible.