Ocellated Turkey

The Ocellated Turkey (Meleagris ocellata) is a resplendent bird, adorned with a dazzling array of iridescent bronze and green feathers. The species is named for the eye-catching, peacock-like spots, known as ocelli, on its tail feathers. These spots are edged with a bright gold tip, adding to the bird's striking appearance. Unlike their North American relatives, neither males nor females have the characteristic beard. The males boast additional ornamentation with a fleshy blue crown studded with nodules, which becomes more vibrant during the breeding season.

Identification Tips

Males and females both have blue heads, with males displaying more pronounced orange or red nodules. The legs of the Ocellated Turkey are a deep red, and males over one year old sport spurs that can exceed 6 cm in length. These birds are smaller than their North American cousins, with adult males weighing around 5–6 kg during the breeding season and females averaging 3 kg after laying eggs.

Habitat

The Ocellated Turkey is a ground-dwelling bird that prefers the forests and clearings of the Yucatán Peninsula, where it can often be seen foraging for food.

Distribution

This species is native to a 130,000 km² area within the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico, extending into northern and western parts of Belize and northern Guatemala.

Behaviour

These turkeys are generally terrestrial and would rather run than fly when escaping predators. They roost in trees at night, often in family groups, to avoid nocturnal hunters like jaguars. During the breeding season, males perform an elaborate dance to attract females, which includes rapid foot tapping, tail fanning, and wing vibrations.

Song & Calls

The male's vocalization is a unique series of low-frequency thumps that accelerate into a gobble-like sound, while the female's calls are similar to those of their northern relatives.

Breeding

Breeding season commences in early February, peaking in March and concluding by the end of April. Females lay 8–15 eggs in a concealed ground nest, with poults hatching after a 28-day incubation period. The young are precocial and follow their mother until reaching young adulthood.

Similar Species

The Ocellated Turkey is often compared to the North American wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo), but it is distinguished by its smaller size, lack of beard, and the unique ocelli on its tail feathers.

Diet and Feeding

A generalist feeder, the Ocellated Turkey consumes a wide variety of food, including insects, grass seeds, nuts, and leaves. Males have been observed to increase their feeding rates before the breeding season.

Conservation status

The Ocellated Turkey is currently classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN, with population declines attributed to land use changes and unsustainable hunting practices in the Yucatán Peninsula region.