Turkeys are recognized for their distinctive heads. This bare, unfeathered region is not uniformly colored and possesses unique characteristics. Its often bumpy surface serves as a canvas, hinting at the complex biological processes occurring within the bird.
The Dynamic Colors of a Turkey’s Head
A turkey’s head displays a striking palette of colors, primarily red, white, and blue. These colors are highly dynamic and can change rapidly across the skin and fleshy growths on the head and neck. This transformation is a key characteristic, leading some cultures, like Japanese and Korean, to call them “seven-faced birds.” The hues and their intensity offer immediate visual cues about the bird’s state.
What Causes the Color Changes?
The color changes on a turkey’s head result from physiological mechanisms involving its thin skin and an extensive network of capillaries. The bird can rapidly control the blood flow to these capillaries, altering the color. For instance, when a turkey becomes excited, agitated, or dominant, blood rushes to the head, causing it to swell and turn a vibrant red or blue. Conversely, when the bird is calm, scared, or unwell, blood may retract, causing the head to appear paler, sometimes white or light blue.
These shifts are often triggered by various stimuli, including excitement, fear, aggression, and dominance displays. During mating rituals, especially when a male turkey is strutting, the head coloration becomes vivid to attract females. The color changes also serve as an indicator of the bird’s health or emotional state, with a dull or pale appearance signaling illness or submission.
Distinctive Features of the Turkey’s Head
The turkey’s head features several unique anatomical structures. One feature is the snood, a fleshy appendage that hangs over the beak. This ribbon-like projection, made of skin and erectile tissue, can elongate or contract based on the bird’s mood and social context.
Another feature is the wattle, fleshy growths found under the chin and throat. Both male and female turkeys possess wattles, though they are more pronounced in males. These wattles, along with the snood, can become engorged with blood and turn bright red during courtship or when intimidating other males. The head and neck are also covered in bumpy, wart-like growths called caruncles. These caruncles are noticeable on male turkeys and can also change color, often turning bright red or aquamarine blue during periods of arousal or dominance displays. These structures collectively enhance the visual signals a turkey communicates within its flock.