Wild Turkeys are a familiar sight in many parts of the United States, with their plump bodies, bald heads, and reddish-brown plumage. However, not all Wild Turkeys sport this classic chestnut look. These birds also come in four limited-edition colors, or morphs: smoke, red, black, and white. These rare turkey varieties are caused by genetic mutations passed from one generation to the next.
The Smoke Morph: Muted Elegance
The smoke morph is the most common color variation among Wild Turkeys, with an estimated 1 in every 100 birds displaying this muted coloration. A smoke-morph bird has a light wispy gray color with graphite and black details along the body, wings, and tail. While still retaining some blue and pink coloration on its head and neck, the smoke morph stands out in a flock, making individuals easy targets for predators and coveted trophies for hunters.
Interestingly, most smoke-phase turkeys that survive into adulthood are female. Male smoke-phase turkeys are rarely observed in the wild, although the reasons for this pattern are still unknown.
The Red Morph: A Rare Beauty
The red morph of the Wild Turkey is much rarer and harder to identify. Standard Wild Turkey plumage already has reddish undertones, making it challenging to distinguish the red morph. However, vibrant rust-red tail feathers can be a giveaway. The red morph is also sometimes referred to as the cinnamon phase turkey.
The Black and White Morphs: Albinism and Melanism
Wild Turkeys also come in two other colors: white and black. The black morph is caused by melanism, a condition where the birds overproduce the pigment melanin, resulting in a jet-black coloration. On the other hand, the white morph is caused by albinism, which is marked by white skin and feathers along with light pink or red eyes. Albino turkeys are incredibly rare, with an estimated occurrence rate of only 1 in 100,000 Wild Turkeys.
Both the black and white morphs face challenges in the wild. The black morph's dark coloration makes it stand out less, providing some camouflage advantage. However, albinos lack the natural coloration and camouflage that has evolved over time, making them more vulnerable to predators.
Spotting the Rare Color Morphs
Next time you encounter a flock of Wild Turkeys, take a moment to observe each individual bird. You may be lucky enough to spot one of these rare color morphs among them. It's important to appreciate the beauty and uniqueness of these genetic variations in our often overlooked wild gobblers.
Are these color morphs temporary or permanent?
These color morphs are permanent and are caused by genetic mutations passed from one generation to the next.
Do these color morphs occur due to interbreeding with domestic turkeys?
No, these color morphs occur naturally and are not associated with interbreeding with domestic turkeys.
Why are smoke-phase turkeys predominantly female?
The reasons for the predominance of female smoke-phase turkeys are still unknown and require further research.
How rare are albino turkeys?
Albino turkeys are incredibly rare, with an estimated occurrence rate of only 1 in 100,000 Wild Turkeys.
Wild Turkeys are not just limited to the classic chestnut look; they also come in rare color morphs such as smoke, red, black, and white. These color variations are caused by genetic mutations and can persist in local areas. While the smoke morph is the most common, the red, black, and white morphs are much rarer and harder to spot. Each color morph has its own unique beauty and challenges in the wild. So, the next time you come across a flock of Wild Turkeys, keep an eye out for these rare and fascinating variations.
If you want to know other articles similar to Rare color morphs of wild turkeys: exploring smoke, red, black, and white varieties you can visit the Colour morphs category.