What specific tail marking pattern distinguishes the North American Wild Turkey?
Answer
Usually a single, wide, dark band near the tip
The tail feather ornamentation is one of the most immediate visual differences between the two species. While the Ocellated Turkey displays prominent, brilliant eyespots (*ocelli*), the North American Wild Turkey (*M. gallopavo*) possesses a much plainer pattern. Its tail feathers typically feature only one significant marking: a single, broad, dark band situated close to the tip of the feather, lacking the metallic, jeweled appearance found on its Mesoamerican relative.
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