Turkeys display a remarkable range of colors, from the shimmering, metallic sheens of wild varieties to the distinct, often uniform, hues found in domestic breeds. Their striking appearance makes them easily recognizable, with plumage that can shift in appearance depending on the light and bare skin that can change color with their mood.
The Iridescent Hues of Wild Turkeys
Wild turkeys exhibit a dynamic coloration, primarily an iridescent, metallic sheen across their feathers. Their body feathers, particularly on the back and breast, often appear as shades of bronze, copper, and green. Light striking these feathers causes colors to shimmer and change, sometimes revealing hints of red or purple depending on viewing angle. The wings are typically darker, displaying bars of black and white, while the tail feathers are often dark brown or black with bands of lighter brown and a wide, metallic bronze or copper band near the tip.
The heads and necks of wild turkeys are largely featherless and display vibrant colors of red, white, and blue. These colors are not static; they can intensify or pale based on the bird’s excitement or emotional state. During courtship displays, for instance, the red coloration on the head and neck often becomes more pronounced as blood rushes to the surface.
Diverse Colors of Domestic Turkey Breeds
Domestic turkey breeds showcase a broad spectrum of colors, many of which differ significantly from their wild ancestors due to centuries of selective breeding. The Bronze turkey retains some iridescent qualities but typically has a more uniform, rich, dark brown or bronze body plumage with distinctive white barring on the wing feathers. White turkeys, such as the Broad Breasted White, are entirely white, a trait bred for commercial purposes.
Other notable domestic breeds include the Black turkey, which features lustrous, solid black feathers with a greenish sheen, and the Narragansett, characterized by a unique pattern of black, gray, and tan feathers that create a laced appearance. The Royal Palm turkey stands out with its striking white body plumage contrasted by iridescent black markings on its wings and tail, while the Bourbon Red exhibits a rich, reddish-brown body color with white primary and secondary wing feathers.
How Turkeys Get Their Colors
The vibrant and varied colors observed in turkeys arise from two primary mechanisms: structural coloration and pigment-based coloration. Iridescence, the shimmering, shifting colors seen on wild turkeys and some domestic breeds, is a result of structural coloration. This phenomenon occurs when light interacts with microscopic structures within feather barbules, causing different wavelengths of light to be reflected or scattered. The arrangement of these nanostructures determines perceived colors, leading to metallic bronze, green, and copper hues that change with viewing angle.
Pigment-based colors, on the other hand, are produced by specific chemical compounds deposited within the feathers. Melanin is the primary pigment responsible for the black, brown, and some reddish-brown shades found in turkey plumage. The concentration and type of melanin influence the depth and exact tone of these colors. The bare skin on a turkey’s head and neck, displaying red, white, and blue, derives its color from blood vessels and blood flow. When excited or agitated, increased blood flow causes the skin to flush deeper red or blue, while reduced flow can make it appear paler.