Wild Turkey

Large, heavy-bodied ground bird with long legs and a wide, fan-shaped tail. Males (toms) feature iridescent plumage and wattles, while this feather's crisp barring is a diagnostic hallmark of the species' wing.

Characteristic bold barred pattern of dark brown/black and off-white/creamy tan. The bars are relatively even in width across the broad vane. Ventral surface is paler and more matte than the dorsal surface.

Pennaceous and tightly interlocked throughout most of the vane for flight rigidity; base of the feather shows plumulaceous (downy) barbs for insulation.

Stiff and rugged texture. The surface is matte rather than glossy, designed for durable ground-based and short-burst flight.

Distinctive white and dark brown barring; extreme asymmetry of the vane; large size and stiff, heavy rachis.

Open woodlands, mature forests with clearings, and agricultural fields.

Resident throughout most of North America, from southern Canada through the United States to central Mexico.

Omnivorous foragers that act as seed dispersers and prey for large predators. They are important indicators of healthy mast-producing (nut) forests.

Canada Goose (lacks barring), various large owls (would have soft, fringed 'mufflers' on edges and different barring styles).

Wild Turkeys were nearly hunted to extinction in the early 20th century but are now one of the greatest success stories in wildlife conservation. Benjamin Franklin famously praised the turkey as a 'Bird of Courage' compared to the Bald Eagle.

Fair to Good. Visible wear and 'zipper' separation of barbs at the tip and trailing edge suggest it was a naturally molted feather or lost during movement through brush.