Wild Turkey
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Galliformes, Family: Phasianidae, Genus: Meleagris, Species: Meleagris gallopavo
Family: Phasianidae (Pheasants, Grouse, and Turkeys)
- Shape
- Broad and fan-shaped with a rounded, blunt tip. The feather is predominantly symmetrical, which is typical for structural body feathers rather than flight feathers.
- Size
- Estimated at 3-5 inches in length. This is consistent with a large body contour feather from a turkey, providing insulation and protection across their bulky frame.
- Rarity
- Very Common. Populations have significantly rebounded across Ohio and the Midwest to the point of being abundant in many rural and suburban areas.
Found a feather like this?
Identify any feather from a photo, free.
Description
The Wild Turkey is a massive, heavy-bodied ground bird. This feather reflects the bird's rugged plumage. Turkeys are dark overall with many iridescent feathers that shimmer in green and copper. They are known for their naked heads, fanned tails, and the male's distinct 'gobble' call.
Colour & Pattern
Base color is a dusky charcoal-gray to brown. It features distinct pale buff or off-white horizontal banding (barring) and a dark, nearly black terminal band toward the tip. Possible bronze iridescence when caught in direct light.
Barb Structure
The distal (top) half is pennaceous with interlocked barbs, while the proximal (base) half is highly plumulaceous (downy) for heat retention. A distinct aftershaft is common in this family.
Texture & Surface
The surface is matte on the downy portions and glossy/stiff on the pennaceous tip. It has a rugged, slightly oily feel, characteristic of ground-dwelling birds that need moisture resistance.
Key Features
Distinctive buff-white barring on a dark gray-brown background; broad, squared-off shape; and a very fuzzy, downy base typical of Galliformes.
Habitat
Open woodlands, hardwood forests with scattered clearings, oak-hickory stands, and increasingly common in suburban corridors and city parks with mature trees.
Geographic Range
Year-round resident across most of the United States (including Columbus, Ohio), stretching from southern Canada through to central Mexico.
Ecological Role
Omnivorous foragers that control insect populations and disperse seeds. They serve as a major prey source for large predators like coyotes and bobcats.
Similar Species
Canada Goose (body feathers lack the distinct barring), Barred Owl (feathers are much softer, 'furry', and have different brown tones), Ruffed Grouse (significantly smaller feathers).
Interesting Facts
Wild Turkeys were once considered for the national bird of the US by Benjamin Franklin. They can fly at speeds up to 55 mph over short distances and roost in trees at night for protection.
Condition Notes
Fair to Poor. The feather appears wet, dirty, and weathered on asphalt. Some barbs are separated or 'unzipped,' likely due to moisture or physical abrasion after falling.
Notes
Columbus Ohio