Wild Turkey

A classic specimen from North America’s largest game bird. The Wild Turkey is a heavy-bodied bird with long legs and a distinctive fan-shaped tail. While the bird looks dark from a distance, this feather reveals the complex metallic iridescence that defines the male's (Tom) plumage.

Overall iridescent copper and bronze-brown with a dark, almost black terminal band at the tip. Iridescence shifts from green to gold depending on light angle.

Densely interlocked pennaceous structure at the tip transitioning to a very fluffy, plumulaceous base; includes a prominent afterfeather/aftershaft typical of the family.

Smooth and glossy at the tip with a metallic sheen; extremely soft and airy at the base; stiff central shaft.

Black-tipped terminal band, coppery iridescence, and a significant plumulaceous (downy) base with an aftershaft.

Open forests with clearings, edges of woodlands, grasslands, and agricultural fields.

Widespread across North America, from southern Canada throughout the United States into central Mexico; largely non-migratory.

High-level forage consumer and seed disperser; serves as prey for large predators and a host for various parasitic insects.

Ring-necked Pheasant (smaller, narrower), Domestic Turkey (often white or lack intense iridescence).

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

Good; showing typical wear for a molted body feather found on the ground; slightly weathered edges.