Wild Turkey

This is a classic iridescent breast feather from a Wild Turkey. These birds are large, heavy-bodied ground dwellers with long legs and fan-shaped tails. Adult males (toms) are especially known for the brilliant metallic colors seen in feathers like this one, which shimmer as they display for females.

The tip features a distinct, broad black terminal band. Below this is a zone of structural iridescence showing copper, gold, and green metallic sheen. The middle section shows dark brown wavy barring on a lighter tan-brown background. The downy base is a uniform grayish-brown.

The distal (top) portion is pennaceous with tightly interlocked barbs for weatherproofing. The proximal (bottom) two-thirds is plumulaceous (downy) for insulation.

The tip is smooth and glossy with a metallic, oily sheen due to structural coloration. The base is extremely soft, fuzzy, and matte.

Broad black square tip, iridescent copper/green band, and heavy plumulaceous gray-brown down at the base.

Open woodlands, mature forests with nut-bearing trees (oaks, hickories), and occasionally nearby agricultural fields or pastures.

Native to North America, ranging from southern Canada through the United States to central Mexico. Non-migratory and resident year-round.

Turkeys are significant seed dispersers and provide a food source for large predators. They also help control insect populations through foraging.

Ocellated Turkey (Meleagris ocellata) feathers are more blue/teal with eye-spots; Ring-necked Pheasant feathers are smaller and often more golden-red without the square black tip.

The Wild Turkey was Benjamin Franklin's preferred choice for the national bird of the United States because of its courage and native status. They can fly at speeds up to 55 mph over short distances, despite their heavy appearance.

Excellent condition. The iridescence is vibrant, and the barbs are fully intact. This appears to be a freshly molted feather or one kept in a protected environment.