Wild Turkey

Large, heavy-bodied ground bird with long legs, a wide fan-shaped tail, and bare skin on the head. This feather shows the iconic 'tiger striping' used for camouflage when the wing is folded and for display when spread.

Distinctive bold barring of dark chocolate brown and creamy white; the white bands are somewhat irregular and jagged. The rachis appears dark.

Tightly interlocked and pennaceous throughout most of the vane; stiff and durable to support heavy flight; lower portion (near the calamus) shows loose plumulaceous barbs.

Relatively stiff and smooth; the surface has a slight matte to low-gloss finish; durable and somewhat waxy to shedding water.

Bold, high-contrast dark and white barring; large size; stiff texture; rounded tip characteristic of secondary feathers in large Galliformes.

Open woodlands, hardwood forests with scattered clearings, pastures, and agricultural fields.

Year-round resident across most of North America, from southern Canada throughout the United States to central Mexico.

Omnivorous forage-feeder that disperses seeds and controls insect populations; serves as a significant prey species for large predators.

Barred Owl feathers have similar colors but are much softer with a 'velvety' texture for silent flight. Ruffed Grouse feathers are smaller with more mottled patterns.

The Wild Turkey was Benjamin Franklin's preferred choice for the national bird of the US. They can fly at speeds up to 55 mph over short distances despite their heavy weight.

Excellent condition; barbs are well-aligned with very little fraying or 'zipper' separation; likely a recently molted feather.