Wild Turkey
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Galliformes, Family: Phasianidae, Genus: Meleagris, Species: Meleagris gallopavo · Phasianidae (Pheasants, Grouse, and Allies) · Primary flight feather (remiges), likely one of the outer primaries (P7-P10).
Species
Meleagris gallopavo
Feather Type
Primary flight feather (remiges), likely one of the outer primaries (P7-P10).
Family
Phasianidae (Pheasants, Grouse, and Allies)
Shape
Highly asymmetrical with a very narrow leading edge (outer vane) and a broad trailing edge (inner vane). The tip is rounded and slightly tapered, typical of a powerful ground-dwelling bird.
Size
Approximately 10 to 12 inches in length. This is consistent with the primary feathers of an adult Wild Turkey, which typically range from 9 to 15 inches.
Rarity
Very Common; Wild Turkeys have made a significant recovery across their range and are frequently seen in large flocks (rafters).
Color & Pattern
Distinctive bold horizontal 'ladder-back' banding. Dark brownish-black bars alternate with white to creamy-white bars. The pigmentation is melanin-based. The ventral side is more matte than the dorsal side.
Barb Structure
Densely interlocked pennaceous barbs along the majority of the vane for flight rigidity, transitioning to a small plumulaceous (downy) section at the base (superior umbilicus).
Texture & Surface
The surface is somewhat stiff and slightly matte to waxy. The leading edge barbs are extremely rigid to prevent 'flutter' during flight, while the trailing edge is more flexible.
Description
A large, heavy-bodied ground bird with a long neck and a featherless head. Adult males (toms) have iridescent bronze-green plumage and a 'beard', while females (hens) are duller brown. This feather reflects the bird's power and ability to perform short, rapid bursts of flight to escape predators or reach night roosts.
Key Features
Bold white-and-black barring, strong asymmetry of the vane, and a thick, rigid rachis. The high contrast of the 'ladder' pattern is diagnostic for Meleagris gallopavo.
Habitat
Mature forests with scattered openings, oak-hickory woodlands, grasslands, and occasionally suburban edges with tall trees for roosting.
Geographic Range
Common throughout North America, ranging from southern Canada through the United States to central Mexico. They are non-migratory permanent residents.
Condition Notes
The feather appears to be in Good condition. There is some separation of the barbs (zipper effect) on the trailing edge, which is common in molted feathers. No significant fault bars or parasitic damage are visible.
Interesting Facts
The Wild Turkey was Benjamin Franklin's preferred choice for the national bird of the United States over the Bald Eagle. They can fly at speeds up to 55 mph in short bursts and run up to 25 mph.
Ecological Role
Omnivorous foragers that act as seed dispersers and keep insect populations in check. They are a major prey species for large predators like bobcats and coyotes.
Similar Species
Can be confused with Barred Owl feathers, but owl feathers have a soft 'fringed' edge for silent flight and lack the extreme rigidity and gloss of turkey feathers. Pheasant feathers are smaller and usually have different color gradients.