The color of a turkey is complex, resulting from a dynamic interplay of light, physiology, and breeding history. Unlike most animals, the wild turkey’s vibrant palette shifts constantly, creating an illusion of multiple hues. This complexity stems from specialized feather structures and the bird’s unique ability to rapidly alter the blood flow to its bare skin. The resulting spectrum of colors differs significantly between males and females, and between wild and domestic varieties.
The Iridescent Plumage of Wild Turkeys
The wild turkey’s feathered body appears primarily black or dark brown from a distance. The remarkable visual effect comes from the specialized structure of the feathers, which causes light to scatter and refract like a prism. This physical phenomenon, known as iridescence, makes the plumage shimmer with metallic tones.
As the turkey moves, the feathers flash with brilliant shades of bronze, copper, green, and gold. This structural coloration is a form of optical deception; the colors are not due to pigments alone but to the microscopic arrangement of keratin within the feathers. This reflective quality is more pronounced on the male, giving him a striking appearance in the sunlight.
Dynamic Color Changes of the Head and Neck
The most fascinating aspect of the wild turkey’s coloration is the rapid shifting of hues on its head and neck. This skin is mostly featherless and covered in fleshy bumps called caruncles, a wattle under the chin, and a snood hanging over the beak. These areas are densely packed with blood vessels that the turkey can constrict or dilate almost instantly.
The colors—vivid red, pale white, and bright blue—are a direct result of the blood flow in these areas. When the bird is calm, the head often appears pale blue or white as blood vessels are restricted. During excitement, aggression, or courtship display, increased blood flow rapidly flushes the skin a brilliant, deep red. Controlling these colors serves as a visual signal of the bird’s mood and overall health to other turkeys.
Color Differences Between Toms and Hens
The coloration of wild turkeys exhibits clear sexual dimorphism, with the male, or Tom (gobbler), being far more visually elaborate than the female, or Hen. The Tom’s body feathers display a stronger, more intense iridescence, showcasing metallic bronze and copper prominently. The tips on the breast feathers are typically black on a Tom.
In contrast, the Hen has plumage that is significantly duller and less reflective, presenting as a mottled gray-brown. This subdued coloration is an adaptation for camouflage, allowing the hen to better conceal herself and her nest from predators. Hens also have breast feathers tipped with a lighter brown or buff color.
The Coloration of Domestic Turkeys
The domesticated turkey, particularly the variety raised for commercial food production, presents a stark contrast to its wild ancestor. The predominant commercial breed is the Broad-Breasted White turkey, selectively bred to be almost entirely white. This pure white color was favored by producers for practical reasons related to processing.
The light feathering ensures that any remaining pin feathers on the carcass are nearly invisible after plucking, resulting in a cleaner final product for the consumer. This white coloration is a result of decades of breeding, moving away from the natural dark, iridescent colors of the wild bird. Consequently, the commercial turkey lacks the camouflage and structural color brilliance that defines the wild species.