What Color are Turkeys? A Guide to the Plumage of Wild and Domestic Birds

For many of us, the color that comes to mind when we think of turkeys is that classic rich, brown hue. But turkeys actually come in a variety of colors depending on the species, sex, and age of the bird. Here’s an overview of the range of plumage patterns found on wild turkeys versus domestic turkeys and how to tell them all apart.

Wild Turkey Feather Colors

Wild turkeys sport gorgeous, natural camouflage made up of rich earth tones Their feathers help them blend into the forests and fields where they live Here are the main colors found on wild turkeys

Dark brown is the predominant body color on wild turkeys. Their wings, back, chest and tail feathers are various shades of chocolate brown to black.

Bronze and copper iridescence shimmers across many of their body feathers This results in metallic olive-brown and bronze-green hues,

Rusty tan appears on the tips of the tail and rump feathers.

Creamy white bars decorate the wings. These are visible in flight.

Gray to blue skin covers the head and neck. Bright red wattles dangle from the throat.

Iridescent green, purple and bronze show on the feathers of males during courtship displays.

The beautiful range of wild turkey feather colors and patterns provides camouflage from predators while also attracting mates.

What Colors are Male Wild Turkeys?

Male wild turkeys, also called toms or gobblers, are a bit more vibrantly colored than females of the species.

Here are some key points about male wild turkey coloration:

• Their body feathers have an intense iridescent copper, bronze and green sheen.

• The tips of the tail and flight feathers may have a warm reddish-chestnut tint.

• Their feathers can appear black in some lighting.

• The featherless head and neck skin is colored blue with bright red wattles.

• During mating displays, male turkey feathers become extremely iridescent showing metallic greens, purples and bronzes.

What Colors are Female Wild Turkeys?

Female wild turkeys, also called hens, tend to be more subtly colored than the males.

Key notes about female wild turkeys:

• Their overall body color is a muted brown with little iridescence.

• The tips of the tail and flight feathers show rusty tan banding.

• Their wings display thick white barring when spread.

• Neck and head skin is grayish blue with a small red wattle.

• Some hens may show faint bronze or copper iridescence in their body plumage.

Do Baby Turkeys Have Different Coloring?

Wild turkey chicks, known as poults, are adorably fluffy and speckled when they hatch. Here are some notes on wild turkey poult colors:

• Their downy coat is light brown with dark brown striping for camouflage.

• They have a yellowish tan face and legs.

• Their wings show a dark bar even at a very young age.

• As juvenile feathers grow in, they resemble small female turkeys.

What Color are Domestic Turkeys?

After centuries of domestication, farm-raised turkeys look quite different from their wild cousins. Some key differences in domestic turkey coloring:

• Most domestic turkeys are solid white. This is intentional for easier processing.

• Some may be dark brown or black. Heritage breed turkeys show more natural coloring.

• Iridescent feathers are less common since they are bred for meat production.

• Bright red wattles and head caruncles are exaggerated through breeding.

• Blue and purple shades sometimes occur, like on Blue Slate turkeys.

• Speckled black and white patterns appear on breeds like the Bourbon Red.

• Metallic sheens occur on some heritage breeds, like the Bronze turkey.

Why are Domestic Turkeys White?

Early turkey farmers selectively bred birds to produce white pin feathers and plumage. Why white? Here are some of the advantages:

• Easier processing – White feathers are less visible on plucked turkey carcasses.

• Faster growth – The genetic link between fast growth and white color is favored.

• Efficient breeding – White turkeys breed more efficiently in large flocks.

• Consumer demand – Markets favor the uniform look of white turkey meat.

So while brown and black turkeys still occur, especially among heritage breeds, most commercial turkeys are white for practical production reasons.

Rare and Unusual Turkey Colors

While rich brown wild turkey plumage and solid white domestic birds are most common, unusual colors can sometimes occur. Here are some rare turkey feather shades:

• Albino turkeys lack pigment, resulting in pure white feathers.

• Lavender or self blue gene produces a light gray color.

• Silver causes black pigment to be restricted, leaving just white and gray.

• Chocolate brown and red shades arise from recessive genes.

• Splash pattern shows white irregular spots, like paint splatters.

These unique color variations, many stemming from recessive genes, turn up unexpectedly in backyard flocks.

How to Tell a Hen from a Tom by Color

When glimpsing a brown-feathered turkey through the brush, how do you know if it is a male or female? Look for these color clues:

• Males have more iridescent, shiny feathers with a coppery or bronze tint.

• Watch for a reddish-chestnut glow on the tail or wingtips of a male.

• Richer, darker brown and blacker feathers indicate a male.

• A bird with crisp white barring on duller brown wings is likely a female.

• The blue head and red wattle on a male are much more vivid.

So pay attention to those fine color details to distinguish gobblers from hens when turkey watching.

The gorgeous array of wild turkey feathers allows the birds to blend into their woodland environments. But whether it’s iridescent wild birds or solid white domestic turkeys, all their beautiful colors are sure to make you thankful come Thanksgiving!