Leucistic Wild Turkey

A relatively white Wild Turkey is considered leucistic while an albino Wild Turkey with pink or red eyes believed to be only about one in 100,000 as currently noted by Audubon.

The Wild Turkey above (image 1) was photographed in Killingworth, CT USA in October 2019.

This autumn has brought an unusual birding experience for me with the arrival of four leucistic Wild Turkeys within a flock as large as 31 that has been observed several times. These odd turkeys are apparently hens and are not considered in any way related to domesticated turkeys which are white.

This variation of Wild Turkey which might also be called a smoke phase has been noted to be rare though I would suggest is becoming more common with the proliferation of the species.

The Wild Turkey above (image 2) was photographed in Killingworth, CT USA in December 2019.

The variation of the genes of the turkey results in morphs or phases including those described as black (melanistic), red (erythritic), smoke or white. These variations of the turkey and every other species of wild bird is a good example of why they all should be looked at very closely.

There is the occasion in which you may encounter a banded bird as well which, of course, should be reported to the relevant agency.

The range of Wild Turkey has been expanding. Most so into southern Canada provinces from the United States. Losses of the turkey's range shouldn't be considered significant.

The Wild Turkey above (image 3) was photographed in Killingworth, CT USA in December 2019.

The leucistic Wild Turkeys observed here have been continuing with calls of predators heard occasionally.

Wild Turkeys have unfortunately been considered a major nuisance with aggression to people and communities in recent years.

Please be sure to be reminded about this Wildlife Blog with the email gadget located at the top of the page.