Wild Turkey (Eastern Wild Turkey)

The Wild Turkey is a large, distinctive upland bird known for its fan-shaped tail, bare blue-and-red head, and dark iridescent body plumage. Males (toms) are significantly larger than females (hens) and possess a prominent chest beard and leg spurs. They are strong runners and capable flyers over short distances, typically roosting high in trees at night.

Dark iridescent blackish-brown to deep metallic bronze base, featuring a distinct velvety black subterminal bar and a narrow buffy-brown or whitish tip. The coloration is heavily melanin-based, showing slight green and copper sheen under direct light.

Pennaceous upper portion with tightly interlocked barbs and barbicels, transitioning into a fluffy plumulaceous (downy) base with an afterfeather (aftershaft) structure visible near the quill.

Smooth and semi-glossy on the upper pennaceous portion, soft and fluffy at the base where the downy barbs are unattached. The surface is matte with a velvety texture along the dark terminal band.

Broadly rounded tip, dark metallic bronze-brown coloration with a prominent velvety black terminal band, and a fluffy downy base with a well-developed aftershaft.

Mixed hardwood and pine forests with scattered clearings, agricultural fields, pastures, and swampy bottomlands that offer abundant mast and roosting trees.

Native to North America, ranging across forested regions of the United States, parts of southern Canada, and down into central Mexico. Widely introduced outside its native range.

Turkeys act as important seed dispersers and predators of insects, reptiles, and amphibians, helping to regulate pest populations while serving as a primary prey species for large raptors and mammals.

Domestic turkey (Meleagris gallopavo domesticus) feathers can appear very similar, though wild turkey feathers typically show more natural, uniform pigmentation and wear.

Wild turkeys can run at speeds up to 25 mph and fly in short bursts at speeds up to 55 mph. Despite their heavy build, they are surprisingly adept swimmers when necessary.

Good condition, with intact barbs, minimal fraying along the edges, and slight natural wear at the very tip consistent with normal preening and abrasion.