Smoke phase turkeys are a rare and unique genetic variant of wild turkeys. They have beautiful plumage that is darker than typical wild turkeys, appearing charcoal grey with a blue, purple, and green iridescence. But just how rare are these striking birds?
What causes the smoke phase coloration?
The smoke phase coloration is produced by a genetic mutation that causes the turkey to have an excess of melanin pigment in its feathers. This excess melanin results in feathers that are very dark gray or charcoal in color.
The smoke phase genetic mutation is thought to occur randomly and spontaneously within some wild turkey populations. It causes a structural change in a protein involved in melanin production, leading to overproduction of the pigment.
The mutation is relatively rare, which is why smoke phase turkeys are uncommon compared to the more typical brown, bronze, or reddish-brown wild turkeys.
Estimating the rarity of smoke phase turkeys
It’s difficult to get an accurate estimate of just how rare smoke phase turkeys are. They have been documented in many U.S. states, but there are no systematic surveys of their numbers.
One study that looked at prevalence of smoke phase turkeys in Texas estimated that around 1 in 10,000 wild turkeys there exhibited the smoke phase coloring. The study looked at feathers collected from wild turkey harvests to derive this estimate.
Another estimate from Missouri calculated the probability of a smoke phase turkey appearing at around 1 in 100,000. The Missouri Department of Conservation receives around 20 reports of smoke phase turkeys harvested each year, out of roughly 200,000 wild turkeys taken by hunters annually.
These statistics indicate that smoke phase turkeys occur at a frequency of between 0.001% to 0.01% in these populations. However, their prevalence likely varies across different regions and habitats.
Geographic distribution of smoke phase turkeys
Smoke phase turkeys have been documented across much of the eastern United States. States where they have been reported include:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Florida
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- New York
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
There are also a few documented cases of smoke phase turkeys outside the main eastern range, including California, New Mexico, and Washington state. But most reports come from states with the largest wild turkey populations in forests or woodlands of the eastern US.
Differences between male and female smoke phase turkeys
The smoke phase coloring occurs in both male and female turkeys. However, there are some differences between the appearance of males and females of this genetic variant:
- Male smoke phase turkeys tend to have more intense and darker black feathers compared to females.
- Females display more brown barring on their tail and flight feathers that are not seen in males.
- The tips of the feathers on a male smoke phase turkey are usually solid black, while on females they more commonly show white barring.
- Male smoke phase turkeys exhibit more colorful iridescence with more purple, blue and green shades than females.
These variations occur because female turkeys need more cryptic plumage to camouflage on the nest, while males utilize their striking colors for attracting mates.
Are smoke phase turkeys found more in juveniles than adults?
There are conflicting reports on whether smoke phase turkeys occur more frequently in younger birds compared to adults. Some observations indicate a higher proportion of juveniles exhibit the trait.
One hypothesis for why this may occur is “selection pressure” against the trait in adults. Smoke phase coloring could potentially make adults more visible to predators, resulting in higher mortality. Younger birds may not have experienced this selective pressure yet.
However, not all data supports the theory of greater prevalence in juveniles. Some research has shown fairly equal proportions of smoke phase coloration in both adult and juvenile wild turkeys. The evidence remains inconclusive.
Reproduction and inheritance of the smoke phase gene
The smoke phase characteristic is inherited according to simple Mendelian genetics. It is an autosomal dominant trait associated with a single gene locus.
This means if a turkey inherits one copy of the mutant gene from either parent, it will exhibit the smoke phase coloring. The trait is not sex-linked and can be passed down equally by both male and female turkeys.
When two smoke phase turkeys mate, they will produce a smoke phase offspring 100% of the time. But the rarity of smoke phase turkeys means most mating pairs do not carry the mutation.
If a smoke phase turkey mates with a normal turkey, around half of the offspring will inherit the mutant gene and display smoke phase coloration. The other half will be normal colored.
This inheritance pattern allows the smoke phase mutation to persist at low levels in wild populations. An occasional smoke phase turkey results when two normal turkeys produce a spontaneous mutant offspring.
Are wild smoke phase turkeys less healthy?
There is no evidence that wild smoke phase turkeys are any less healthy, vigorous or viable than their normal-colored counterparts. The mutation does not seem to be associated with any physical defects.
Smoke phase turkeys appear to have normal survival rates, reproductive fitness, and lifespan compared to typical wild turkeys. The only disadvantage may be slightly increased visibility to predators.
However, captive-bred smoke phase turkeys do sometimes exhibit health issues due to intensive breeding practices. Commercial breeders intensively select for the trait, resulting in weaker immune function over generations.
But such inbreeding depression does not occur in wild populations, where smoke phase turkeys arise spontaneously and rarely interbreed.
Are smoke phase turkeys a separate breed or species?
Smoke phase turkeys are not a distinct breed or species from wild turkeys. They represent a naturally-occurring color variant arising within eastern wild turkey populations.
The technical term for smoke phase turkeys is ‘melanistic’ wild turkeys. ‘Melanistic’ refers to animals exhibiting darker pigmentation than is typical for their species.
Smoke phase turkeys belong to the same species as normal wild turkeys. They can interbreed freely with other wild turkeys and produce viable offspring.
Selective breeding of smoke phase turkeys over multiple generations has produced domestic breeds like the Royal Palm turkey. But wild smoke phase turkeys themselves are not a separate breed.
Legal status and hunting regulations
In most states, smoke phase wild turkeys are not subject to any special legal status or hunting regulations. They are legally harvested during the standard wild turkey hunting seasons along with normal turkeys.
An exception is in Kansas and Nebraska, where hunters are asked to avoid harvesting smoke phase turkeys so that wildlife authorities can study these rare birds.
Some other states do prohibit the killing of albino or partially albino turkeys, but this does not apply to the melanistic smoke phase turkeys.
Hunters who harvest a smoke phase turkey are generally asked to contact their state’s wildlife agency to report the rare variant. Most states also encourage hunters to get their trophy officially certified and scored.
Cultural significance of smoke phase turkeys
The striking appearance of smoke phase turkeys has made them prized among hunters and outdoor photographers alike. Their rare natural occurrence has also given them cultural symbolism.
In Native American myths of some tribes, seeing a smoke phase turkey is associated with attaining mystical intuition and fortune telling abilities. Spotting one is seen as a powerful omen.
Smoke phase turkeys are also sometimes viewed as sacred animals not to be harvested in certain tribal traditions. Their unique coloration carries spiritual meaning.
For many hunters and outdoor enthusiasts today, spotting or successfully harvesting a smoke phase turkey represents the achievement of a rare wildlife viewing feat.
Conservation status of smoke phase turkeys
Smoke phase wild turkeys do not have any special conservation status at present. They are not considered an endangered or threatened color variant.
Their numbers appear stable where they occur spontaneously in wild turkey flocks. There is no evidence the genetic mutation is becoming any more or less prevalent over time.
However, some wildlife biologists argue that greater effort should be made to monitor smoke phase turkey populations, given their rarity. More research is needed to determine if any protective measures are warranted.
Illegal captive breeding of smoke phase turkeys for commercial purposes could potentially impact wild flocks. But currently this is not seen as a significant threat.
Overall, smoke phase turkeys remain a rare but naturally occurring genetic variant that adds unique diversity to wild turkey populations. Wildlife authorities recommend preserving suitable habitat wherever these striking birds appear.
Spotting a smoke phase turkey in the wild
Smoke phase turkeys are most likely to be spotted in areas of eastern deciduous forests or mixed woodlands, which make up their natural habitat.
The best times of year to observe them are during spring mating season, or in late summer and fall when juvenile birds are out searching for food sources.
Here are some tips for spotting a smoke phase turkey in the wild:
- Listen for turkey calls and focus on areas where you hear gobbling.
- Scan open meadows and forest edges at dawn and dusk when turkeys are most active.
- Use turkey decoys and calls to draw them into view.
- Look for them along logging roads, trails, and streams where they feed.
- Be patient and still, moving slowly to conceal yourself.
- Focus your eyes near the forest floor – their dark coloring can make them hard to spot.
- Look for iridescent feathers catching the sunlight through vegetation.
With some luck and persistence, you may be rewarded with the sight of one of these incredibly rare smoke phase turkeys strutting through the forest!
Conclusion
Smoke phase turkeys stand out for their beautiful dark plumage among their more typically-colored relatives. While rare, they can be found across much of the eastern United States wherever wild turkeys occur.
These striking birds arise from a naturally-occurring genetic mutation that causes overproduction of melanin pigment. They are not a separate breed or species.
Estimates indicate smoke phase turkeys appear at rates of 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 100,000 wild turkeys. Their numbers seem stable, though more research is needed on these uncommon birds.
With patience, sharp eyes and some turkey calling skills, you may be lucky enough to spot one of these darkly handsome birds in the wild!