Wild Turkey

This is a body feather from a Wild Turkey, a large, ground-dwelling bird known for its fan-shaped tail and bald, colorful head. These contour feathers provide insulation and the bird's characteristic metallic glint. Adult males (toms) have particularly iridescent feathers used for courtship displays.

Base color is a dark, iridescent brownish-black. It features a distinct subterminal band of copper or rufous-bronze and a thin black terminal edge. The iridescent quality varies with light, showing copper, gold, or green highlights.

The distal (top) half is pennaceous and tightly interlocked, while the proximal (bottom) half is highly plumulaceous/downy. It lacks the highly specialized 'frizz' of an owl or the oil-heavy structure of a duck.

The top section is smooth and glossy with a metallic sheen, while the bottom section is extremely soft, airy, and matte.

Rounded tip, distinct copper-colored subterminal band, dark terminal edge, and an exceptionally large, white downy base.

Found in mature forests with open clearings, oak-hickory woodlands, nut-bearing orchards, and occasionally agricultural fields or suburban edges.

Resident throughout most of North America, from southern Canada throughout the United States and into parts of Mexico.

Primary seed disperser and prey species for large predators. They occupy a mid-to-high level in the food web as omnivores.

Ruffed Grouse (smaller, different banding) or Ring-necked Pheasant (more elongated, different color patterns).

The Wild Turkey was Benjamin Franklin's preferred choice for the national bird of the United States. They can fly at speeds up to 55 mph over short distances, though they spend most of their time on the ground.

Good condition. The pennaceous barbs are mostly intact, indicating a relatively fresh molt. Some minor fraying is visible at the very tip, typical of ground-dwelling birds.