Wild Turkey (also known as Eastern Wild Turkey, Gould's Wild Turkey, Merriam's Wild Turkey)

The Wild Turkey is a large, iconic North American game bird known for its iridescent plumage, fan-like tail, and the distinctive bare, blue-and-red head of the adult male. Females tend to be duller in coloration to blend into nesting cover. They are powerful runners and capable, though short-distance, fliers.

Uniform rich brownish-gray or bronze tone with a subtle dark subterminal band and a pale or whitish tip, typical of hen or immature wild turkey plumage

Pennaceous vane section transitioning cleanly into a soft, fluffy plumulaceous (downy) base with well-developed afterfeather; barbs are intact and tightly interlocked along the upper portion

Smooth and firm along the pennaceous upper vane, transitioning to soft and silky at the plumulaceous base; matte finish with minimal sheen

Broad, rounded, paddle-like shape with a soft downy base, neutral brownish-gray coloration, and pale terminal band characteristic of gallinaceous body feathers

Open hardwood and mixed conifer-hardwood forests, woodlots interspersed with fields, agricultural areas, and brushy or swampy clearings

Widespread across North America, from the southern wooded regions of Canada down through the United States to central Mexico

Serves as an important seed disperser and insect predator while acting as a primary prey species for large mammalian and avian predators

Domestic turkey feathers or large grouse feathers; distinguished by precise coloration, banding patterns, and overall size

Wild turkeys can fly at speeds up to 55 miles per hour for short distances, and they spend their nights roosting high in trees to avoid ground predators

Good condition, with intact barbs and a clean rachis, showing very minor wear at the edges of the vane