Ocellated Turkey
NameOcellated Turkey
Common NameOcellated Turkey
Scientific NameMeleagris ocellata
FamilyPhasianidae
Wingspan (cm)132.5
Length (cm)96
Weight (g)3500
Plumage DetailsBody plumage is iridescent bronze-green and blue. The tail feathers are gray with a large, iridescent blue-bronze 'eye-spot' (ocellus) near the tip, bordered by a bright orange band. The head and neck are featherless and bright blue, covered with warty nodules, and topped with a fleshy crown.
Vocalization / CallKnown for a distinctive gobble, similar to the Wild Turkey but often described as more resonant or 'drumming,' along with various clucks and yelps.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusnear-threatened
Geographic RangeEndemic to the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico, northern Guatemala, and northern Belize.
Identifying FeaturesIridescent bronze-green and blue body plumage, Large, blue-bronze ocelli (eye-spots) on tail feathers bordered by orange, Bright blue, warty, featherless head and neck with red eye-ring and orange/yellow nodules on the crown, Red legs
Description
The Ocellated Turkey is a strikingly colorful ground-dwelling bird, smaller than the Wild Turkey. It exhibits iridescent plumage and a distinctive blue, warty head with red and orange nodules, often found foraging in tropical forests.
