Ocellated Turkey
Meleagris ocellata
Class:
Aves
Order:
Galliformes
Family:
Meleagrididae
IUCN Red List status:
Near Threatened
Description
Protected by the following WLT projects:
The Ocellated Turkey looks similar to the Common Turkey but is much more colourful and is larger; the males can grow to a metre in length. Its name derives from the peacock-like ocelli (eyes) on the tail feathers.
Habitat
The Ocellated Turkey is found in Southern Mexico, Guatemala and Belize, preferring to live among the edge of forest.
Threats and Conservation
The Ocellated Turkey is popular with hunters, and increasingly rare over much of its range. The bird is therefore classified by the IUCN as near threatened.
Learn more
- See IUCN Red List of Threatened Species for more information on the classification of the Ocellated Turkey.
