Wild Turkey (Eastern Wild Turkey)
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Galliformes, Family: Phasianidae, Genus: Meleagris, Species: M. gallopavo
Family: Phasianidae (Pheasants, Grouse, Turkeys, and Allies)
- Shape
- Broad, rounded paddle shape with a squared or slightly rounded distal tip and a well-developed afterfeather
- Size
- Approximately 5 to 7 inches long and 3 to 4 inches wide at the widest point, typical for an adult male (tom) breast feather
- Rarity
- Very Common
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Description
The Wild Turkey is a large, iconic North American game bird renowned for its impressive fan-shaped tail, bare blue and red head, and dramatic display behaviors during the spring mating season. Adult males, or toms, possess glossy plumage that gleams with bronze, copper, green, and gold iridescence under sunlight. This specific contour feather from the breast showcases the signature velvety black and metallic green-bronze edging typical of adult male displays.
Colour & Pattern
Intricate patterning featuring a dark, velvety black base, rich brown vermiculated central area, and a striking iridescent copper, bronze, and emerald-green subterminal band ending in a dark velvet margin
Barb Structure
Pennaceous at the distal colored tip providing a smooth, firm surface, transitioning to plumulaceous (fluffy) near the base with a prominent afterfeather
Texture & Surface
Smooth and firm at the colorful terminal fringe, becoming soft, downy, and fluffy near the base and along the large aftershaft
Key Features
Broad rounded paddle shape, dense brownish vermiculation, and a brilliant iridescent bronze-green or copper terminal band bordered by velvety black
Habitat
Mixed hardwood and coniferous forests with scattered openings, clearings, agricultural fields, and mature woodlands with large mast-producing trees
Geographic Range
Native across North America, ranging from wooded areas of southern Canada down through most of the United States and into central Mexico
Ecological Role
Acts as an important seed disperser, predator of insects and small reptiles, and a vital food source for large mammalian and avian predators in the forest food web
Similar Species
Domestic turkey varieties (which can show white or hybridized coloration) and other large gallinaceous birds like grouse, though the specific iridescent band on the breast feather is uniquely diagnostic for Wild Turkeys
Interesting Facts
Wild Turkeys can run at speeds up to 25 mph and fly in short bursts at speeds up to 55 mph. Despite their heavy bodies, they easily roost high in trees at night to escape predators
Condition Notes
Good condition, vibrant coloration with minimal wear, likely a harvested or naturally molted specimen preserved cleanly