Wild Turkey (Eastern Wild Turkey)

The Wild Turkey is a large, distinctive upland game bird known for its iridescent plumage, fan-shaped tail, and bare, colorful head of the male. This striking primary feather exhibits the classic high-contrast brown and white barring seen on the wings of the species.

Rich dark brown to charcoal-gray background crossed by striking, regular white or buff-colored transverse bars along both vanes, typical of the wing feathers used in display and flight.

Strongly pennaceous vane with tightly interlocked barbs and functional barbicels. The base features a small, somewhat downy section near the calamus, but the main vane is stiff and durable.

Stiff, smooth, and matte in texture, offering high rigidity to withstand air resistance during flight and powerful ground flurries.

High-contrast alternating dark brown and white/buff bars running perpendicular to a stout, pale rachis, combined with an asymmetrical, curved flight feather shape.

Mixed hardwood and coniferous forests with scattered openings, clearings, woodlots, agricultural fields, and mature woodlands.

Widespread throughout North America, introduced into various other regions globally. Found across most of the United States, parts of southern Canada, and Mexico.

Serves as an important seed disperser and insect predator in forest ecosystems, while also acting as a primary prey species for large mammalian and avian predators.

Other large gallinaceous birds or raptors, but the specific high-contrast brown-and-white barring pattern on a stiff, curved primary distinguishes the wild turkey.

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 routinely roost high in trees overnight.

Good condition with intact barbs and a clean rachis, showing minimal wear or fraying at the tip.

Audubon Fairfield Ct