What feature gives the Ocellated Turkey its species name, *M. ocellata*?
Answer
Large, unmistakable eyespots, or ocelli, decorating its tail feathers
The defining characteristic that provides the Ocellated Turkey with its scientific name, *Meleagris ocellata*, is the presence of large, distinct eyespots, referred to as ocelli, located on its tail feathers. These markings are described as brilliant rings composed of bronze, gold, and iridescent blue. This contrasts sharply with the tail structure of the North American Wild Turkey, which typically features only a single, broad, dark band near the tip of the feathers.
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