Wild Turkey

A robust ground-dwelling bird with iridescent bronze plumage, a naked head, and a large fan-shaped tail. This feather shows the characteristic warm earthy tones found on the bird's flank and rump.

Deep cinnamon-brown to rufous base with a distinct, broad dark brown terminal band or subterminal bar; ventral side is lighter and matte

Pennaceous at the distal end (interlocked), becoming increasingly plumulaceous (downy) at the base for insulation

Smooth and slightly glossy on the pennaceous tips, soft and fuzzy at the base; relatively stiff compared to songbird feathers

Rich rufous/copper color, broad rounded tip, and a prominent dark distal band typical of the Eastern subspecies

Open woodlands, hardwood forests with scattered openings, and agricultural fields

Found throughout North America, from southern Canada to Mexico; mostly non-migratory

Omnivorous foragers that disperse seeds and serve as a significant prey source for large predators; 'least concern' status

Ring-necked Pheasant (smaller, narrower), Ruffed Grouse (more mottled/barred, less solid rufous)

Wild Turkeys can fly short distances at speeds up to 55 mph and were famously proposed by Benjamin Franklin as a more respectable symbol for the US than the Bald Eagle

Fair to Good; shows some separation of barbs (unzipped) and minor fraying consistent with being used in a craft or decorative item