Wild Turkey (Eastern Wild Turkey)

A magnificent large flight feather from North America's largest upland game bird, featuring robust dark brown tones accented by striking pale barring along the margin. The Wild Turkey is a large, ground-dwelling bird known for its iridescent plumage, fan-shaped tail, and bare, brightly colored head in males.

Dark brownish-black vane with distinct white or pale grayish-buff barring along the outer edge, characteristic of wing primaries and coverts

Strongly pennaceous through the upper vane with tightly interlocked barbicels, transitioning to plumulaceous downy barbs at the base near the calamus

Stiff, smooth, and semi-glossy on the upper pennaceous surface, with a flexible yet resilient shaft designed to withstand aerodynamic pressure

Large size, stiff asymmetrical flight feather structure, dark brown coloration, and prominent pale transverse barring along the vane edges

Mixed hardwood and pine forests with scattered clearings, agricultural fields, and open woodlands with access to water sources

Widespread across North America, ranging from the southern forests of Canada throughout the United States and down into Mexico

Acts as an important seed disperser, predator-prey food web component, and insectivore helping to regulate forest invertebrate populations

Other large gallinaceous birds like pheasants or large raptors, though the distinct pale barring and robust size readily separate it as a turkey wing feather

Wild Turkeys can run at speeds up to 25 mph and fly in short bursts up to 55 mph. Despite their heavy build, they routinely roost high up in large forest trees at night.

Good overall condition with intact barbs and a solid rachis, showing minor normal wear at the tip consistent with a naturally molted feather