What specific purpose is served by the iridescent bronze, green, and gold plumage exhibited by male Wild Turkeys?
Answer
Courtship rituals
The feathering of the Wild Turkey serves dual purposes: camouflage and display. While the body feathers of both sexes appear dark from a distance, up close they possess a brilliant, metallic sheen. For the male, this iridescence is particularly pronounced, featuring glossy reflections of bronze, green, and gold. The shifting nature of these colors, which change dramatically depending on the angle of the light hitting the feathers, is crucial for attracting mates. This vibrant visual display is explicitly utilized by the tom during his strutting performances as part of the courtship rituals.
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