What comes into your mind when you hear the word turkey? Does your mouth water immediately because you think of the typical dish on the holiday of Thanksgiving? Of course, it’s a delicious dish and you are impressed, but now, let’s focus on turkeys in the wild. I’m not talking about the normal one but a gorgeous bird with stunning features that you can’t ignore when passing by it.Have a look at the Ocellated turkey, the beautiful, large bird with distinctive orange head “nodules” and a colorful coat!
Source: Tim Proffitt-White
There are only two turkey species in the world, and the ocellated turkey, also known as the
Meleagris ocellata, is the cousin of the familiar Thanksgiving bird. This large bird is noticeable with its blue head adorned with red and orange nodules. Its body is covered with metallic feathers that become brighter on its wings. The unique tail of this turkey may remind you of the peacock’s striking plumes. That may explain why this bird’s title in Spanish is "pavo real", which is used to call both peacock and “royal turkey”. 
Source: William Nicholas
What gives them the noble vibe is the blue crown with nodules atop on the male’s head. This accessory will swell and turn to a brighter shade during the breeding season. Though both wear a bronze-green metallic coat, the males look more vivid than female ones.
Source: ebatty
Ocellated Turkeys are larger compared to other birds, but they are actually much smaller than their Wild Turkey relatives living in North America. Adult hens only weigh about 8lbs before laying eggs.
Source: fveronesi1
These birds can only be found in a 50,000-square-mile area of the Yucatán Peninsula. Specifically, they live in the states of Quintana Roo, Campeche, and Yucatan, as well as parts of southern Tabasco and northeastern Chiapas.
Source: ebatty
It’s hard to spot these birds since they like to hide from people. They feed on seeds, berries, insects, and plants, and forage in forest and scrub areas in small groups. Sometimes they might visit nearby farms to get some more to put in their bellies.
Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/70325100@N00
Female Ocellated Turkeys produce 8-15 eggs each time. After 28 days of incubation, the babies come out to the world and stay under their mother's supervision until they reach adulthood. 
Source: berniedup
Sadly, this big bird is under the pressure of habitat destruction caused by the tradition of slash-and-burn agriculture in Central America. 
Source: russellstreet
What do you think about this spectacular turkey? Have you ever come across one of them? Let’s share this beautiful bird with your family and friends, and check out other posts on our site for more fascinating stories and news!