color of a turkey

The Captivating Colors of Turkeys A Closer Look at What Makes These Birds so Vibrant

Turkeys come in a stunning array of colors, far beyond the traditional brown and white varieties. Their vibrant plumage is the result of genetic mutations, each leading to remarkable and unique color patterns. As a long-time turkey enthusiast, I’m fascinated by the diverse palette of these charismatic birds In this article, we’ll explore what accounts for the various colors of turkeys, look at some special morphs, and appreciate the beauty that makes these birds stand out.

What Determines a Turkey’s Color?

The typical wild turkey has brown and white plumage with iridescent feathers showing bronze, purple, and green in the sunlight. This coloration comes from two types of melanin: eumelanin which produces brown and black pigments, and phaeomelanin which produces red pigments. The ratio of these melanins along with structural color from iridescent feathers gives the wild turkey its distinctive look.

Domestic turkeys have been selectively bred over centuries, leading to different color varieties. The most common commercial turkey is the Broad Breasted White, which has mostly white plumage due to a lack of melanin. Other domestic breeds are the Bourbon Red, with deep chestnut plumage, and the Black Spanish turkey with mostly black feathers.

While selective breeding plays a role, many distinctive turkey colors arise from spontaneous genetic mutations. Just like any other animal, random changes in turkey DNA can lead to dramatic differences in coloration from the norm. Let’s look at some of the most vibrant varieties caused by genetic mutations.

Smoke Morph Turkeys

One of the most common color morphs is the smoke phase, estimated to occur in 1 in 100 wild turkeys. Smoke morphs have a muted gray color with darker charcoal barring on the wings and tail. While the feathers are pale, the head still shows the characteristic red, white, and blue skin.

Almost all smoke phase turkeys are hens, for reasons still unknown. The pale gray color likely makes them more vulnerable to predators compared to the camouflaged brown plumage of normal turkeys. But those that survive stand out among their flock sisters making them prized sights for birdwatchers.

Rare Red Turkeys

Even more unusual are red or “erythristic” turkeys. As their name implies, these birds have vibrant reddish-orange plumage compared to the subdued chestnut shades of standard turkeys. They are extremely rare, but can sometimes be identified by the bright rusty tail feathers. We have much to learn about these exotic looking birds. Photographs indicate the red coloration occurs in both sexes.

Black and White Turkeys

On opposite ends of the spectrum, melanistic black turkeys and albino white turkeys represent the extremes of melanin production. Melanistic individuals overload on melanin, becoming jet black. This Striking look likely puts them at a disadvantage for evading predators. Albinos, on the other hand, completely lack melanin and have snow white feathers and characteristic pink eyes. Albinism is exceedingly rare, estimated at just 1 in 100,000 wild turkeys.

The Diversity of Turkey Colors

What accounts for the variation in turkey colors? In short, genetic mutations. Random changes in DNA can lead to different melanin levels and unexpected pigments. While some morphs like smoke and red phase occur periodically, others like albinism are exceptionally rare. Each imparts stunningly unique looks, reminding us of nature’s creativity.

I’m endlessly delighted by the diversity of turkey colors beyond the usual brown and white birds. As a long-time turkey enthusiast, I’m always keeping an eye out for rare morphs when I’m in turkey territory. There’s nothing like spotting a melanistic black or ghostly white turkey mingling among its normal-colored flock mates. Turkey watching becomes much more exciting when you know to look for these special color varieties.

Whether you’re a hunter, birder, or simply enjoy watching wildlife, keep an eye out for oddly-colored turkeys. Their vibrant plumage tells a story of nature’s infinite forms. If you’re lucky enough to spot a rare morph, take a moment to appreciate its uniqueness before it fades back into the flock, awaiting discovery by the next lucky observer.