Feather Identifier app iconFeather Identifier
Likely Wild Turkey (Turkey); species identification is tentative from this single dark feather.
Likely contour or body feather; exact position cannot be determined.

Likely Wild Turkey (Turkey); species identification is tentative from this single dark feather.

Kingdom Animalia; Phylum Chordata; Class Aves; Order Galliformes; Family Phasianidae; Genus Meleagris; Species Meleagris gallopavo (tentative).

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Family: Phasianidae (pheasants, grouse, turkeys, and allies)

Shape
Long, narrow, slightly tapered feather with a rounded-to-pointed tip and mildly asymmetric vane.
Size
The ruler suggests roughly 8–10 cm long; apparent width is about 1 cm. Scale and feather orientation make these estimates approximate.
Learn more about Likely Wild Turkey (Turkey); species identification is tentative from this single dark feather. in the encyclopedia →

Found a feather like this?

Identify any feather from a photo, free.

Identify a feather

Description

This is a small, dark feather consistent with a galliform bird, but the image does not show enough diagnostic pattern to confirm species. Adult Wild Turkeys are large, iridescent, long-legged birds with bare heads and broad tails; males gobble and display conspicuous fanned tails.

Colour & Pattern

Predominantly dark brown to black, with subtle warm brown areas; the nearby tan-and-black pattern appears to be patterned material, not part of the feather. No clear iridescence is evident.

Barb Structure

Compact, interlocking pennaceous barbs; no obvious fluffy aftershaft or specialized comb-like edges are visible.

Rachis & Barb Pattern

A slender, dark central rachis runs through closely set barbs; fine structural details are obscured by the dark coloration and image lighting.

Texture & Surface

Smooth, fairly sleek pennaceous surface with a slight sheen; vane appears intact, though lighting limits assessment.

Feather Placement

Probably body or flank plumage, based on its modest size and dark patterned vane; not diagnostic of a precise tract.

Key Features

Dark, narrow vane and modest length; no distinctive turkey barring or other species-level marks are clearly visible.

Habitat

Wild Turkeys use forests, woodland edges, scrub, and agricultural mosaics, often roosting in trees and foraging on the ground.

Geographic Range

Native across much of North America, with populations in the United States and Mexico; largely resident, though local seasonal movements occur.

Ecological Role

Wild Turkeys are ground-foraging omnivores and prey for large predators; they can disperse seeds, and their habitat use reflects woodland and edge conditions.

Similar Species

Dark feathers of grouse, pheasants, and domestic fowl may look similar; reliable separation usually requires clear barring, pattern, size, and known location.

Interesting Facts

Wild Turkeys roost in trees but forage mostly on the ground, eating seeds, nuts, insects, and other small foods.

Cultural Significance

Turkey feathers have long been used in Indigenous arts and regalia and in craftwork; possession or trade rules vary by species and jurisdiction, so verify provenance and local law.

Field Identification Tips

Record the find location and photograph both sides beside a scale; compare several feathers from the same bird or site rather than identifying from color alone.

Condition Notes

Appears largely intact, with no obvious breakage or severe fraying; condition grade: Good, with fine wear difficult to assess.