White Turkeys

[JIGSTER]

We have a group of 20-30 turkeys feeding near our property.Several of them have white mixed in with their natural colors.I know it isn't because of the snow or to blend in with the snowcover because they retain this color in summer and fall also.They are not all white so I do not consider them albino!Just curious if anyone has any answers!! Thanks for any info! Good huntin' Jigster

[Dave S]

I see this on occassion with turkey's. They have either had white fringes on their feathers, albino's, or have been all grey.

[brittman]

Domestic turkey infiltration of the wild turkey gene pool?

One reason that the DNR prefers trapping and moving wild turkey is you never truly know the gene pool for pen raised "wild" turkeys.

Merriams (sub specie) have white / buff fringes on their feathers instead of bronze or brown usually seen on the Eastern, but Merriams traditionally inhabit the Dakotas, Nebraska, and New Mexico.

[Powerstroke]

The condition you speak of is called "pie-bald" Its an odd coloration having various amounts of white that is obviously genetic, but it is in no way a defect or abnormailty. Its just a rarely occuring phenominon.

[eyes']

I saw a flock of 8 in my back yard 4 weeks ago and one of them was also partial white. Cool looking bird!!!

[Sky Carp Blaster]

Many times it is because of wild turkeys breeding with domesticated turkeys. I hunted a spot last year and I saw about 4 "white" turkeys.

[bigbucks]

I know where I hunt, I've seen 2-3 of 10-12 that had quite a bit of white mixed in.