Wild Turkey (Eastern Wild Turkey)

The Wild Turkey is a large, ground-dwelling bird native to North America, easily recognized by its bare, colorful head, fan-shaped tail, and dark, iridescent body plumage. Feathers from the wings and tail exhibit striking barred patterns.

Distinctive alternating bands of contrasting white/cream and dark brown or black, typical of turkey wing and tail feathers used in Native American regalia and crafts.

Pennaceous vane structure with strong, tightly interlocked barbs and barbicels, providing rigidity for flight and display.

Stiff, smooth, and semi-glossy surface texture designed to withstand friction and environmental exposure.

High-contrast barring pattern with distinct light cream/white bands alternating with dark brown or black sections, paired with a stout, pale central shaft.

Mixed hardwood and pine forests with scattered openings, pastures, and agricultural fields.

Widespread across North America, introduced and naturalized in various parts of the world.

Acts as both predator and prey within the forest ecosystem, consuming seeds, nuts, insects, and small reptiles while serving as a food source for large mammalian and avian predators.

Other large gallinaceous birds such as grouse or pheasants, though their feathers are generally smaller and feature different scale or barring patterns.

Wild Turkeys can fly in short bursts up to 55 mph and can swim by tucking their wings and kicking. Benjamin Franklin famously proposed the wild turkey as the national bird of the United States.

Good condition, clean, intact barbs, showing no obvious signs of severe wear, breakage, or parasitic damage.