Wild Turkey

Large, heavy-bodied ground birds with long legs and a fan-shaped tail. Males (toms) are iridescent with a 'beard', while females (hens) are duller brown for camouflage. These feathers represent the classic barred wing pattern visible when the bird is walking or in flight.

Striking alternating barred pattern of dark brownish-black and buff-to-white cream. The dark bands are slightly wider than the light bands. The underside (ventral) is more muted and matte.

Pennaceous at the distal end with tightly interlocked barbs for flight; plumulaceous (downy) at the proximal base for insulation. No specialized comb-like edges.

Relatively stiff and waxy on the upper surface for aerodynamics. The base is soft and fuzzy. The surface has a slight natural sheen but is not iridescent.

Distinctive bold black-and-cream barring, thick white rachis, and the broad, rounded shape unique to large Galliformes.

Open woodlands, hardwood forests with scattered openings, pastures, and agricultural fields.

Native to North America; found throughout most of the United States, southern Canada, and parts of northern Mexico. They are non-migratory permanent residents.

Omnivorous foragers that control insect populations and disperse seeds. They are a primary prey species for large predators like bobcats and coyotes.

Greater Sage-Grouse (narrower, different barring) and Barred Owl (softer texture, fringed edges, different brown tones).

The Wild Turkey was Benjamin Franklin's preferred choice for the national bird of the United States over the Bald Eagle. They can fly up to 55 mph and run up to 25 mph.

Fair to Good. There is some separation of the barbs ('zipper' failure) and minor fraying at the edges, suggesting these may be naturally molted feathers or have been handled.