Distinctive Gamebird with Orange Head, Copper Wings, Iridescent Blue-Gold Eyespots, and 'Warts' - Breaking News & Top Stories

Meet the Ocellated Turkey, an intriguing gamebird renowned for its captivating appearance. This bird boasts a remarkable combination of features, including its distinctive orange head “nodules,” shimmering copper wing panels, and mesmerizing iridescent blue-and-gold eyespots. This remarkable species is the tropical counterpart of the more familiar Thanksgiving turkey. Males of the Ocellated Turkey flaunt a fleshy blue crown adorned with nodules, akin to those found on their neck and behind their snood. During the breeding season, this crown swells, becoming more vibrant and pronounced with a stunning yellow-orange hue.

Despite its captivating appearance, the Ocellated Turkey is relatively smaller compared to its North American Wild Turkey relatives, with adult hens weighing around 8 pounds before laying eggs. Both male and female Ocellated Turkeys exhibit iridescent bronze-green body feathers, yet males showcase more vivid and vibrant colors.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the Ocellated Turkey is its limited geographic range. In contrast to its northern cousin, this species is exclusively found within a 50,000 square mile area encompassing the Yucatán Peninsula range. This range spans across states including Quintana Roo, Campeche, Yucatan, along with parts of southern Tabasco and northeastern Chiapas. Despite its eye-catching plumage, this bird often eludes sight, camouflaging itself within dense foliage.

Ocellated Turkeys tend to congregate in small groups, foraging beneath thick cover within forested and scrub-covered regions. They occasionally venture into clearings and adjacent farmland in search of food. Their diet predominantly comprises seeds, berries, insects, and leaves. During the breeding season, males produce the distinctive “Gobbling” sound, while females communicate with a distinct “clucking” sound.

Female Ocellated Turkeys craft well-hidden ground nests where they lay 8-15 eggs. The diligent incubation process lasts for 28 days. The hatchlings are precocial and capable of leaving the nest after a single night. They accompany their mother, following her lead until they reach young adulthood, at which point they begin to explore their surroundings while frequently regrouping for roosting.

Regrettably, the Ocellated Turkey confronts a significant threat to its future due to extensive timbering operations followed by traditional slash-and-burn agriculture in Central America. These activities directly jeopardize the bird’s natural habitat. The alarming pace of habitat destruction raises concerns about the potential extinction of this captivating species. To witness the Ocellated Turkey’s unique behavior and features in action, take a moment to view the accompanying video.