Ocellated Turkey

## Description

The ocellated turkey (Meleagris ocellata ) 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 (Meleagris gallopavo ), 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.

The ocellated turkey lives only in a 130,000 km2 (50,000 sq mi) range in the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico—which includes all or part the states of Quintana Roo, Campeche, Yucatán, Tabasco, and Chiapas—as well as the northern and western parts of Belize and northern Guatemala.

The ocellated turkey was considered endangered by Mexican authorities as recently as 2002 and has been considered Near Threatened by the IUCN since 2009 (Kampichler et al. 2010). The species is believed to have experienced a decline in response to land use changes and higher than sustainable harvest by migrant workers and subsistence hunters living in the Yucatán Peninsula region of Central America. (Kampichler et al. 2010). A study conducted in the year 2011 indicated that the ocellated turkey made up a substantial amount of the diets of four prominent ethnic groups of the Yucatán Peninsula (Santos et al. 2012).

## Appearance

The Ocellated turkey is a large bird that is found in the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico, and in parts of Belize and Guatemala. It is a relative of the North American Wild turkey. The body feathers of both sexes of Ocellated turkeys are a mixture of bronze and green iridescent color. Although females can be duller with more green, the breast feathers do not generally differ and cannot be used to determine sex. Tail feathers of both sexes are bluish-grey with an eye-shaped, blue-bronze spot near the end with a bright gold tip. The spots, or ocelli (located on the tail), for which Ocellated turkeys are named, have been likened to the patterning typically found on peafowl. The upper, major secondary wing coverts are rich iridescent copper. Both sexes have blue heads with some orange or red nodules, which are more pronounced in males. The males also have a fleshy blue crown covered with nodules, similar to those on the neck, behind the snood. During breeding season this crown swells up and becomes brighter and more pronounced in its yellow-orange color. Males over one year old have spurs on their legs.

## Distribution

Ocellated turkeys live only in the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico - which includes all or part of the states of Quintana Roo, Campeche, Yucatán, Tabasco, and Chiapas - as well as the northern and western parts of Belize and northern Guatemala. These birds prefer tropical evergreen forests and can also be found in open areas such as savannahs, shrublands, grasslands, and abandoned farmlands.

## Behavior

Ocellated turkeys spend most of their time on the ground and often prefer to run to escape danger through the day rather than fly; however, they can fly swiftly and powerfully for short distances when necessary. At night they usually roost high in trees away from night-hunting predators, such as jaguars, and usually in a family group. Vocalizations of the females are similar to those of their northern relatives, however, the male vocalization known as a “gobble” is quite different in comparison. The gobble begins with several low-frequency "thumps", much like the sound of a small gasoline motor starting. Ocellated turkeys typically begin their singing 20 to 25 minutes before sunrise.

## Diet

Ocellated turkeys have an omnivorous diet. They feed on a wide variety of insects, such as beetles, moths, leafcutter ants, grass seeds, nuts, and leaves.

## Reproduction

Ocellated turkeys have a polygynous mating system and don’t form pairs. Their breeding season begins in early February when the first gobbles are heard. The breeding season peaks in March and comes to an end by the end of April. Males perform elaborate, spirited display to attract females. They begin the mating dance by tapping their feet against the ground in rapid succession. They then move their tail feathers from side to side while quickly vibrating their wings and dragging the tips of them against the ground. As the male does this dance, he moves around the female making sure the dorsal surface of the tail feathers is constantly in view of the female. Females lay 8-15 eggs in a well-concealed nest on the ground and the young hatch in May through July after a 28-day incubation period. They are covered in a reddish brown juvenile plumage which allows them to blend into their surroundings to hide from predators. The young are precocial and able to leave the nest after one night. They follow their mother until they reach young adulthood; at this time the young begin to range though often re-grouping to roost.

## Population

### Population threats

The population of the Ocellated turkey declined due to land use changes and higher than sustainable harvest by migrant workers and heavy hunting for food from locals living in the Yucatán Peninsula region of Central America.

### Population number

According to IUCN Red List, the total population size of the Ocellated turkey is 20,000-49,999 mature individuals. Currently, this species is classified as Near Threatened (NT) on the IUCN Red List and its numbers today are decreasing.

### Ecological niche

Ocellated turkeys help control insect populations and also provide food for local predators.