Ocellated turkey

The ocellated turkey is a captivating bird primarily found in the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico, as well as parts of Belize and Guatemala. Closely related to the North American wild turkey, these birds are quite substantial, with males weighing about 11 pounds (5 kilograms) and females around 6.6 pounds (3 kilograms). Although they were once considered endangered, their population has rebounded. Nonetheless, they continue to face threats from land-use changes and over-harvesting.

One of the most striking features of the ocellated turkey is its vibrant appearance. They possess iridescent feathers, blue heads adorned with orange or red nodules, and tail feathers embellished with blue or bronze spots.

In terms of behavior, these turkeys are ground-dwellers and tend to run rather than fly when they detect danger. Their diet is diverse, including insects, seeds, nuts, and leaves. The breeding season begins in February and peaks in March. During this period, males execute elaborate displays to attract females, which involve tapping their feet, spreading their tail feathers, and vibrating their wings. Females lay between 8 to 15 eggs in well-concealed nests on the ground. The chicks, known as poults, hatch between May and July and are precocial, meaning they are relatively mature and mobile from birth.

The vocalizations of ocellated turkeys are also quite distinctive. Males produce a unique gobble-like sound that features bongo-like bass tones ascending into high-pitched, melodious chops. These calls generally commence before sunrise, providing a unique soundtrack to the early morning hours.