Common turkey feathers colors play a very important role in identifying different turkey breeds. The turkey is a very beautiful and popular bird throughout the world. Especially their popularity raise high during the holiday season. Turkey is also very important poultry birds. There are two types of turkey available and they are wild and domestic turkey.
Although domesticated and wild turkeys are related but there are some differences between this two types. Domestic turkeys can’t fly but the wild turkeys are capable of flight.
Generally wild turkeys have dark colored feathers. On the other hand domestic turkeys are usually bred for having white feathers and also for having large breast muscles. Turkey meat contain low fat and a good source of protein.
Turkey Feathers Colors
Nowadays, turkeys have gained a global popularity because of the good taste and nutritional value of their meat. However, here we want to describe the turkey feathers colors and the types of feathers wild and domesticated turkeys have.
Domestic Turkeys
Domestic turkeys are available with a wide variety of colorful feathers. The colors of their feathers are also good indicator of their production. Both giant and small turkey varieties have white colored feathers.
Both Bourbon Red and Broad Breasted Bronze turkeys have deep coloration that glows with copper, russet and chestnut colors.
Additional shades touched with iridescent blue and green color are available in Gray Narragansett, Black Spanish and Blue Slate turkeys. Turkeys with white colored feathers are most common and widely raised for meat production.
Wild Turkeys
Like domesticated turkeys, wide variety of colorful feathers can also be seen in wild turkeys. The wild male turkeys are banded with iridescent feathers that shine in colors of bronze, copper, gold, green and red. Some wild breeds also have various color phases. For example black, brown, gray, reddish and even albino.
You may have seen only white and brown colored turkeys, but you may be surprised at the many colors you’ll find of wild and domesticated turkeys. There are a wide variety of colorful turkeys are available. Each of the breeds have special characteristics and special feathers type.
Frequently Asked Questions
People ask many questions about turkey feathers colors. Here we are trying to list the most common questions about turkey feathers colors. Hope you will find your answer. Don’t hesitate to ask us if you have more questions.
What color are turkey feathers?
Actually turkey feathers colors vary depending on the breed. Wild turkeys have the deep, rich brown and black feathers that most people associate with turkeys. While the domestic turkeys are normally white in color, and intentional product of domestication because white pin feathers are less noticeable on the carcass.
Why are turkey feathers different colors?
Like many other domestic poultry birds, different turkey breeds have different feather colors.
Can a turkey have blue feathers?
Some turkeys can have an oily puddle’s iridescent sheen and have a pretty aqua blue head, dotted with bright orangey warts.
What colors are turkey’s wings?
Exact color of a turkey’s wings depend on the variety. Common colors are dark, boldly barred with white.
Do turkeys have rainbow feathers?
The Ocellated turkey of Mexico’s Yucatan is an entirely separate species from the wild turkey and certainly the most unique, with rainbow iridescent feathering and grey tail feathers with blue and gold tips.
What is the rarest turkey color?
Melanistic Wild Turkeys overproduce the pigment melanin, making them jet black in color—the gothest turkey out there. Rarer, though, are albinos, a condition marked by white skin and feathers along with light pink or red eyes.
How rare are Leucistic turkeys?
It occurs in approximately 1 in 5,500 birds.
Is a bronze turkey rare?
Yes, the bronze turkey is a rare variety of domestic turkey.
