Wild Turkey

The Wild Turkey is a large, heavy-bodied ground bird. Adults have long legs, a wide fan-shaped tail, and iridescent bronze-green feathers. Males (toms) possess a naked head with red, white, and blue skin caruncles and a 'beard' of modified feathers on the chest. This primary feather is essential for their explosive vertical takeoffs to escape predators.

Distinctive bold horizontal barring of dark chocolate brown to black and creamy white to light tan. The dark bands are slightly wider than the white bands. The ventral (underside) surface is noticeably paler and more matte than the dorsal surface.

Densely packed and tightly interlocked pennaceous barbs. The leading edge barbs are very short and stiff to withstand wind pressure, while the trailing barbs are longer and more flexible. A small amount of plumulaceous (downy) structure may be present at the very base of the calamus.

The dorsal surface is somewhat glossy and stiff to the touch, feeling oily or waxy (water-repellent). The leading edge is particularly sharp and rigid, while the trailing edge is softer.

High asymmetry of the vanes, sharp bold black-and-white horizontal 'zebra' barring, and a thick, dark rachis. Few other North American birds have such large, distinctly barred flight feathers.

Open woodlands, mature forests with interspersed clearings, farm fields, and grassy meadows. They require large trees for roosting at night and dense undergrowth for nesting.

Native to North America. Their range extends from southern Canada throughout the United States to central Mexico. Most populations are year-round residents.

Omnivorous foragers that control insect populations and disperse seeds. They are a vital prey species for large predators like coyotes and bobcats, and their nesting habits influence forest floor ecology.

Barred Owl feathers are similar in color but feel much softer/velvety and have a 'comb-like' fringe for silent flight. Ruffed Grouse feathers are much smaller with more mottled, less clean-cut barring.

Wild Turkeys were almost chosen as the national bird of the United States by Benjamin Franklin. Despite their size, they can fly at speeds of up to 55 mph and run up to 25 mph.

Good condition. There is minor separation of the barbs (splits) along the trailing vane, likely due to contact with vegetation or weathering after being molted. No obvious signs of parasite damage (lice holes).