Wild Turkey (Eastern Wild Turkey, Merriam's Wild Turkey)

Large, robust terrestrial bird known for fan-shaped tails, iridescent bronze plumage, bare blue and red heads in males, and a characteristic gobbling call

Intricate pattern featuring a gray-brown base, fine vermiculations, a broad black subterminal band, and a distinct pale buff or whitish terminal margin

Pennaceous at the upper exposed tip transitioning into a semiplume or plumulaceous, fluffy base with a distinct afterfeather (aftershaft)

Smooth and firm at the pennaceous tip, becoming soft and fluffy toward the base where barbs lack strong interlocking hooklets

Distinctive dark subterminal band bordered by a pale terminal fringe, characteristic of adult turkey body plumage

Hardwood and mixed conifer-hardwood forests with scattered openings, clearings, and agricultural fields

Native to North America, widely distributed across the United States, parts of southern Canada, and introduced to various global regions

Important seed disperser, insect consumer, and prey species for large mammalian and avian predators

Domestic turkey varieties, whose feathers can be similar but often lack the precise wild coloration and fine vermiculation

Turkeys can fly in short bursts up to 55 mph and sleep in trees at night to avoid predators

Good condition with intact barbs near the tip and some natural wear and separation at the plumulaceous base