The wild turkey is the largest game bird in North American with mature males weighing upwards of 20 pounds and standing 40 inches tall. 

These large terrestrial birds are generally dark brown to black in appearance but iridescent color in feathers ranging from gold and copper to green and black gives a metallic appearance, particularly in full sunlight. Males and about 10 percent of females sport a unique beard of keratinous filament that protrudes from the junction of the breast and neck. Beards grow continuously but rarely exceed 10 inches in length. Females are smaller and duller in appearance.

Densities are the highest in forests and interspersed open habitats at low to mid-elevation mountains west of the Cascades. Turkeys are occasionally found at high elevations in southwestern and eastern Oregon mountains.

For tips on coexisting with wild turkeys, visit our Living with Wildlife, Turkeys page. 

Hear the call of the wild turkey

Photo by Diana Ranslam