Wild Turkey

A large, heavy-bodied ground bird. Males (toms) are known for their iridescent plumage, fan-shaped tails, and fleshy red wattles. This feather exemplifies the hardy nature of the species, showing the characteristic transverse barring found on the tail.

Dark brown to black base with intricate, iridescent copper and bronze highlights; characterized by clean, buff-colored barring and a distinct dark subterminal band with a light tan or white tip

Strongly pennaceous and interlocked for most of the vane; stiff and durable with plumulaceous (fluffy) down at the very base

Coarse and stiff with a waxy, glossy finish; structurally reinforced to withstand ground-dwelling movements and display stress

Broad width, distinct buff or white tip, intricate horizontal barring, and a very thick, stiff central rachis

Mixed deciduous and coniferous forests with open clearings, pastures, and agricultural fields for foraging

Resident across almost all of the contiguous United States, southern Canada, and parts of Mexico

Generalist omnivore that disperses seeds and serves as a major prey source for large predators; an important game species

Domestic Turkey (often have pure white tips), Ruffed Grouse (much smaller and thinner feathers)

The Wild Turkey was Benjamin Franklin's preferred choice for the national bird of the US; they can run up to 25mph and fly in short bursts up to 55mph

Good to Fair; some separation of the barbs ('zipping' loss) at the edges, likely from ground contact or age after molting