Wild Turkey
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Galliformes, Family: Phasianidae, Genus: Meleagris, Species: Meleagris gallopavo · Phasianidae (Pheasants, Grouse, and Turkeys) · Contour (Body feather), likely from the upper wing coverts or shoulder area.
Species
Meleagris gallopavo
Feather Type
Contour (Body feather), likely from the upper wing coverts or shoulder area.
Family
Phasianidae (Pheasants, Grouse, and Turkeys)
Shape
Broadly rounded and spatulate, exhibiting slight asymmetry with a blunt, somewhat squared tip.
Size
Approximately 4 to 6 inches in length, consistent with the medium-sized decorative contour feathers found on the body of an adult Wild Turkey.
Rarity
Common; Wild Turkeys are abundant and widely distributed throughout their range.
Color & Pattern
Dark brownish-black base with distinctive, irregular iridescent bronze and buff-colored horizontal barring. The barring has a 'vermiculated' or wavy appearance. Darker melanin-rich tip.
Barb Structure
Primarily pennaceous with a firm, interlocked vane; becomes plumulaceous (fluffy) toward the base for insulation. Presence of a distinct afterfeather and prominent barbicels.
Texture & Surface
Relatively stiff and smooth texture with a subtle metallic or greasy gloss (iridescence) visible when caught in the light. The surface is durable and somewhat water-resistant.
Description
This is a body contour feather from a Wild Turkey, North America's largest game bird. Adult males (toms) are dark with iridescent bronze-green plumage, a naked blue and red head, and a 'beard' of modified feathers. Females (hens) are smaller and duller for camouflage. They are heavy-bodied birds with long legs and a fan-shaped tail used in display.
Key Features
Characteristic buff and black wavy barring, broad spatulate shape, and subtle bronze iridescence. The squared-off tip and rigid rachis are diagnostic.
Habitat
Mixed deciduous and coniferous forests with open clearings, agricultural fields, and wooded swamps.
Geographic Range
Resident throughout North America, including all of New Jersey, ranging from southern Canada to northern Mexico.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good; shows significant mechanical wear on the edges (fraying) and some separation of the barbs ('zipped' open), suggesting it was collected as a molted specimen or after a predator strike.
Interesting Facts
Benjamin Franklin famously preferred the Wild Turkey over the Bald Eagle as a national symbol. These birds can fly up to 55 mph and run up to 25 mph. They roost in trees at night to avoid ground predators.
Ecological Role
Generalist omnivore (eating nuts, seeds, and insects). They serve as a vital prey species for coyotes and foxes and act as seed dispersers for forest hardwoods.
Similar Species
Ruffed Grouse feathers are smaller and often more reddish; Barred Owl feathers have softer, 'fuzzy' edges for silent flight and lack the stiff, waxy texture of turkey feathers.
Notes
new jersey