Wild Turkey
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Galliformes, Family: Phasianidae, Genus: Meleagris, Species: Meleagris gallopavo · Phasianidae (Pheasants, Grouse, and Turkeys) · Secondary Flight Feather (Remex)
Species
Meleagris gallopavo
Feather Type
Secondary Flight Feather (Remex)
Family
Phasianidae (Pheasants, Grouse, and Turkeys)
Shape
Broad and slightly asymmetrical with a rounded, blunt tip. The vanes are relatively wide compared to primary feathers, which is characteristic of the secondary wing feathers in large Galliformes.
Size
Estimated 8 to 10 inches in length. This is consistent with the mid-sized secondaries of an adult Wild Turkey, which typically range from 7 to 12 inches depending on the specific position on the wing.
Rarity
Very Common. Wild Turkey populations have rebounded significantly due to conservation efforts and are now abundant throughout much of their range.
Color & Pattern
Dull brownish-gray to bronze base with subtle, dark iridescent banding and a light-colored (whitish/tan) mottling or spotting. A prominent white spot is visible on the upper vane, likely a natural pigment variation or minor wear. The underside is paler and more matte.
Barb Structure
The distal portion is pennaceous with tightly interlocking barbs, transitioning to a soft, plumulaceous (downy) base. The barbs are stiff and resilient, designed for the heavy lifting required for the turkey's burst-style flight.
Texture & Surface
The surface is somewhat coarse and matte with a subtle waxy coating for water resistance. The leading edge (narrower vane) is stiffer than the trailing edge (wider vane).
Description
This is a secondary flight feather from a Wild Turkey, North America's largest game bird. Adult turkeys are massive, ground-dwelling birds with dark, iridescent plumage that can appear green, copper, or gold in the sunlight. They have long legs, a fan-shaped tail, and bare skin on the head which changes color with the bird's mood. They are known for their 'gobbling' call and elaborate strutting displays.
Key Features
Large size, broad rounded tip, heavy ivory-colored rachis, and the characteristic brownish-gray color with subtle darker barring typical of turkey wing feathers.
Habitat
Found in mature forests with intermittent clearings, pastures, and agricultural fields. They prefer hardwood and mixed conifer-hardwood forests with abundant mast (nuts).
Geographic Range
Native to North America. They range from southern Canada throughout the United States to central Mexico. Most populations are non-migratory permanent residents.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. The feather shows significant wear and fraying along the edges of the vane ('vane splitting'), and there is a noticeable white spot that may be a fault mark or localized bleaching. The calamus appears slightly soiled at the tip.
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 can run at 25 mph.
Ecological Role
They serve as both prey (largely as poults) and as significant seed dispersers. They are opportunistic omnivores, scratching the forest floor for nuts, seeds, and insects.
Similar Species
Canada Goose feathers are similar in size but lack the barred pattern and have a more uniform grey-brown color. Large raptors like the Golden Eagle have longer, more tapered feathers with different banding patterns.