Nightbird-1

Meet the dazzling Ocellated Turkey (Meleagris ocellata). This bird is a flashier relative to the typical Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) often associated with Thanksgiving. It sports a lustrous coat of colorful feathers and a blue head dotted with vivid orange bumps. The word “ocellated” in its common name refers to the eye-like markings on this turkey’s tail, which are similar to those found on a peacock’s plumes.

While the Ocellated Turkey is closely related to its North American cousin, don’t expect them to sound the same. This spectacular bird's gobble begins with a series of low frequency thumps—similar to the sound of a starting engine!

A CHARLIE BROWN THANKSGIVING (1973)