A David Mead original from Pheasants, Partridges & Grouse, published by Christopher Helm (2002)

Plate 53

Wild Turkey Meleagris gallopavo
North America, N Mexico

Ocellated Turkey Meleagris ocellata
Mexico (Yucatan Peninsula), Guatemala, Belize

ABOUT THE BIRDS Sleeker and more agile than its domesticated cousin, the Wild Turkey suffered from excessive hunting until the mid-20th century. Improved management and re-introductions boosted its population to around 3.5 million by 1990.

The colourful Ocellated Turkey gets its name from the blue ‘eye spots’ (ocelli) which the male shows off when he fans his tail in display. Normally a shy bird of humid forests, it may become remarkably tame in wildlife reserves where hunting is banned.

Medium Gouache and watercolour on white Fabriano paper
Image size 10in x 14in (25.5cm x 35.5cm)