Wild Turkey

This is a large, sturdy tail feather from a Wild Turkey. The bird itself is a heavy-bodied ground dweller with long legs and a naked head. Males are known for their iridescent plumage and large tail fans used during spring courtship displays.

Dull charcoal grey to brownish-black base. It features subtle, dark horizontal banding (barring) across the vane, which is a classic diagnostic mark for the species.

Tightly interlocked pennaceous barbs throughout most of the vane, becoming plumulaceous (fluffy) at the very base near the calamus.

The surface is matte and slightly coarse to the touch. The vane is quite rigid, designed to withstand the stress of fanning and flight.

Large size, broad rounded tip, pale stiff rachis, and distinct dark horizontal barring on a grey-brown background.

Found in open woodlands, forests with clearings, and agricultural fields where they can forage and roost in large trees.

Native to North America, ranging from southern Canada through the United States to central Mexico.

An important prey species for large predators and a significant seed disperser for forest floor vegetation.

May be confused with large feathers from a Black Vulture, but Vulture feathers lack the horizontal barring and have a darker, more uniform coloration.

The Wild Turkey was Benjamin Franklin's preferred choice for the national bird of the United States over the Bald Eagle, citing its 'respectable' nature.

The feather appears to be in good condition with minor fraying at the edges. The color is slightly faded, suggesting it may have been molted naturally.