Wild Turkey

A magnificent, large ground-dwelling bird. Males (toms) are known for their iridescent plumage, fan-shaped tails, and fleshy red 'snoods.' This feather reflects the bird's rugged woodland camouflage.

Intricate barring of dark chocolate brown to black and buff-tan/white. Features subtle iridescent bronze highlights and a dark subterminal band near the tip.

Solidly interlocked (pennaceous) throughout the vane for flight stability, becoming loose and plumulaceous at the base near the calamus.

Stiff, slightly coarse, and matte with a subtle glossy sheen in direct light. The vane is rigid to withstand the mechanical stress of ground displays.

Bold, irregular horizontal barring; wide, rounded tip; large size and stiff, woody rachis.

Open woodlands, hardwood forests with scattered openings, and adjacent agricultural fields or grasslands.

Year-round resident across most of the United States, Southern Canada, and parts of Northern Mexico.

Ominvorous forager that acts as a seed disperser and a major prey species for apex predators like bobcats and coyotes.

Female Common Pheasant (smaller, narrower) or large owls (softer texture with 'comb' edges). The Turkey feather is uniquely large and stiff.

The Wild Turkey was Benjamin Franklin's preferred choice for the national bird of the US over the Bald Eagle, citing its 'respectable' nature.

Good condition; showing slight wear (fraying) at the edges and some separation of the barbs ('splits'), typical of a molted feather found on the ground.