Wild Turkey
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Galliformes, Family: Phasianidae, Genus: Meleagris, Species: Meleagris gallopavo · Phasianidae (Pheasants, Grouse, and Turkeys) · Primary flight feather (Remiges), likely P8 or P9 based on the degree of curvature and length.
Species
Meleagris gallopavo
Feather Type
Primary flight feather (Remiges), likely P8 or P9 based on the degree of curvature and length.
Family
Phasianidae (Pheasants, Grouse, and Turkeys)
Shape
Highly asymmetrical with a very narrow leading edge (outer vane) and a broad trailing edge (inner vane). The tip is rounded, and the overall profile is elongated and slightly curved.
Size
Approximately 12 to 14 inches (30-35 cm) in length. This is consistent with the standard range for an adult Wild Turkey primary, which typically measures between 10 and 16 inches.
Rarity
Common; Wild Turkeys are abundant throughout Nebraska and are frequently seen in both rural and suburban-adjacent wooded areas.
Color & Pattern
Distinctive 'zebra-stripe' or barred pattern consisting of alternating dark brownish-black and creamy white to light-gray horizontal bands. The rachis is a dark, translucent horn color.
Barb Structure
Densely packed and interlocked (pennaceous) for most of the vane to provide lift during flight. The base (calamus) shows some downy, loose (plumulaceous) barbs. The barbs are stiff and resilient.
Texture & Surface
The surface is matte and slightly coarse to the touch. The feather is very stiff and rigid, designed to withstand the high pressure of a heavy bird's wingbeat.
Description
A massive, ground-dwelling bird with long legs, a wide fan-shaped tail, and bare skin on the head. This primary feather comes from the powerful wings that allow these heavy birds to explode into flight or roost high in trees at night.
Key Features
Large size, extreme asymmetry, and the bold, high-contrast black and white barring that across both vanes of the feather.
Habitat
Found in mature deciduous and mixed forests with open clearings, as well as agricultural fields and grasslands. Fontenelle Forest in Nebraska provides ideal wooded bottomland habitat.
Geographic Range
Year-round resident throughout most of North America, from southern Canada into Mexico. They are non-migratory but may shift ranges slightly based on food availability.
Condition Notes
Excellent condition. The trailing edge is smooth with no significant fraying, suggesting it was recently molted. There are no visible fault bars or signs of parasite damage.
Interesting Facts
The Wild Turkey was Benjamin Franklin's preferred choice for the national bird of the United States. They can fly up to 55 mph and run up to 25 mph.
Ecological Role
Omnivorous foragers that act as seed dispersers and prey for large predators. They are an important 'game' species whose conservation has led to the protection of vast tracts of forest.
Similar Species
The Domestic Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo f. domestica) has similar feathers but often with more white at the tips. Barred Owl feathers have similar colors but are much softer and 'fuzzy' to the touch to facilitate silent flight.
Notes
Found in Nebraska, in the undergrowth of Fontenelle Forest