Wild Turkey

A magnificent, large ground-dwelling bird with a fan-shaped tail and iridescent plumage. This primary flight feather shows the iconic 'tiger striping' that characterizes the species' wings.

Distinctive bold horizontal barring of dark brownish-black and creamy white. The dark bands are slightly wider than the white bands. Underneath is a more muted version of the dorsal pattern.

Tightly interlocked pennaceous barbs designed for powerful aerodynamic lift; very stiff and resistant to separation.

Stiff and relatively coarse texture; the dark colored bands often feel slightly more rigid than the lighter bands due to higher melanin content.

Bold black and white/cream barring and extreme asymmetry of the vane width relative to the rachis.

Open woodlands, mixed forests, agricultural fields, and grasslands with scattered trees for roosting.

Common across North America, from southern Canada throughout the United States and into parts of northern Mexico.

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

May be confused with Barred Owl feathers, but owl feathers have a soft, 'comb-like' leading edge and a velvety texture, unlike this stiff Turkey feather.

The Wild Turkey was almost designated the national bird of the US by Benjamin Franklin. They can fly at speeds up to 55 mph over short distances.

Fair to Good. There is significant fraying (zippering) along the edges which may indicate natural wear or post-molt handling.