Wild Turkey

This is a secondary wing feather from a Wild Turkey, a large, ground-dwelling bird known for its iridescent body feathers and fan-shaped tail. The bold barring on this feather is a classic field mark for the species.

Distinctive bold horizontal barring pattern consisting of dark brownish-black bands alternating with off-white to creamy-tan bands. The rachis is dark and opaque.

Densely interlocked pennaceous barbs throughout most of the vane for flight rigidity, transitioning to plumulaceous (downy) barbs at the very base near the calamus.

Relatively stiff and smooth on the pennaceous vane with a matte finish; the leading edge is firm while the trailing edge is slightly more flexible.

High contrast black and white/cream barring; large size; thick dark rachis; asymmetrical secondary shape.

Open woodlands, mature forests with clearings, and agricultural fields; they prefer areas with large trees for roosting and dense ground cover for nesting.

Resident throughout most of North America, from southern Canada through the United States and into parts of Mexico.

Omnivorous foragers that act as seed dispersers and are a major prey species for large predators like bobcats and coyotes.

Great Horned Owl feathers have similar barring but are much softer with 'fringed' edges for silent flight. A Turkey Vulture feather is dark without the white bars.

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

Good condition with some minor fraying ('splits') along the trailing vane, likely due to natural wear or impact during the molt process.