The ocellated turkey is a species of turkey residing primarily in the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico, as well as in parts of Belize and Guatemala. A relative of the North American wild turkey, it was sometimes previously considered in a genus of its own (Agriocharis), but the differences between the two turkeys are currently considered too small to justify generic segregation. It is a relatively large bird, at around 70–122 cm (28–48 in) long and an average weight of 3 kg (6.6 lb) in females and 5 kg (11 lb) in males.
Region
Yucatán Peninsula
Typical Environment
Occurs primarily in the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico, extending into northern Guatemala and Belize. It favors lowland tropical forests, including seasonally dry and semi-evergreen forest, forest edges, and second-growth. Birds often use clearings, savannas, and agricultural fields adjacent to forest for foraging. They rely on dense ground cover for nesting and retreat but spend much time walking and feeding on the forest floor.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The ocellated turkey is famed for its iridescent green-bronze plumage and tail feathers marked with blue, eye-like spots (“ocelli”). Unlike the North American wild turkey, males lack a beard and instead show a bare blue head studded with orange nodules and a small crown. Their display includes soft drumming and musical whistles rather than a gobble. They commonly roost in trees at night to avoid predators.
Closeup of a male
In flight
Foraging near Nohoch Mul pyramid
Female, Foraging in the Xcaret Park
Temperament
wary and elusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; explosive flush to tree roosts
Social Behavior
Often seen in small groups; males perform elaborate ground displays with fanned tails and wing-dragging. Ground nester; females lay clutches in concealed sites within dense vegetation. Breeding is polygynous, with males displaying to multiple females. Roosting typically occurs communally in trees.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Males produce a sequence of low, resonant drumming followed by clear, fluting whistles that rise in pitch. Contact calls are soft clucks and purrs; overall vocalizations are more musical than the gobble of wild turkeys.
Plumage
Highly iridescent bronze-green body with metallic sheens; tail feathers dark with bold blue, eye-like ocelli bordered by bronze.
Diet
Omnivorous, consuming seeds, fruits, tender shoots, and buds, along with insects such as beetles and ants. Will also take small invertebrates when available and glean fallen fruits. Forages by walking and scratching through leaf litter. Diet varies seasonally with fruiting and insect abundance.
Preferred Environment
Primarily feeds on the forest floor, especially along edges, trails, and clearings. Regularly visits fallow fields and milpas to pick grains and seeds. Uses shaded understory and scrub for cover while foraging.
