Meleagris ocellata

(Cuvier, 1820)

Vernacular names
English : Ocellated turkey
French : Dindon ocellé

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Galliformes
Family : Phasianidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
The species grows to 1 m in length for a weight up to 5.5 kg, males being bigger than females. Neck and head blue with red and orange warts. Plumage iridescent green, coppery and blue with dark grey breast and light grey tail.

Range and habitat
The species is found in Central America, in extreme south-west Mexico (Yucatan peninsula), north Guatemala and western Belize. Found around dense forest edges, in grassy areas, up to 300 m.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : NEAR THREATENED
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species is very poorly known from the wild and there are no accurate populations estimates. Declines noted because of habitat loss and hunting.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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