Ocellated Turkey
There
are only two species of turkey in the world; the North American
wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo), divided into five
distinct subspecies, and the ocellated turkey (Meleagris
ocellata). The ocellated turkey is known by several different
names that vary by Central American locale: pavo, pavo ocelado, or
its Mayan Indian name, ucutz il chican. Very little research has
been done on the ocellated and less is known about the ecology of
this turkey than any of the five subspecies of North American wild
turkeys, including the Gould's. The National Wild Turkey
Federation, in partnership with the Wildlife Conservation Society
and Hornocker Wildlife Institute, helped sponsor the first research
project to trap and place radio transmitters on ocellated turkeys
in Guatemala in 1993. Much of the information provided in this
bulletin is a result of this NWTF-sponsored study.
The ocellated turkey exists only in a 50,000 square mile area
comprised of the Yucatan Peninsula range includes the states of
Quintana Roo, Campeche and Yucatan, as well as parts of southern
Tabasco and northeastern Chiapas.
The ocellated turkey is easily distinguished from its North
American cousin in appearance. The body feathers of both male and
female birds have a bronze-green iridescent color mixture, although
females sometimes appear duller in color with more green than
bronze pigments. Unlike North American turkeys, breast feathers of
male and female ocellated turkeys do not differ and cannot be used
to determine sex. Neither male nor female birds have a beard.
Tail feathers in both sexes are bluish-gray in color with a well
defined, eye-shaped, blue-bronze colored spot near the end followed
by bright gold tip. The tail feather spots are similar to those
seen on peacock feathers which led some scientists to once believe
the ocellated was more related to peafowl than turkeys. In fact,
these spots helped give the ocellated its name, as the Latin word
for eye is oculus.
The upper, major secondary wing coverts, or wing bar, are a rich
copper color and highly iridescent. The barring on primary and
secondary wing feathers is similar to North American turkeys, but
the secondaries contain more white coloration, especially on the
outer edges.
Both sexes have a blue-colored head and neck with distinctive
orange to red, warty, caruncle-like growths, called nodules, but
they are more pronounced on males. The head of the male also has a
fleshy blue crown behind the snood which is adorned with
yellow-orange nodules similar to those on the neck. During breeding
season, this crown enlarges and the coloration of the nodules
becomes more pronounced. Ocellated turkeys also have a distinct
eye-ring of bright red colored skin, especially visible on adult
males during the breeding season.
Legs of ocellated turkeys are shorter and thinner than North
American wild turkeys and are deep red in color. Legs of adult
males also have pronounced spurs; longer and more attenuated than
those of North American gobblers. Spur lengths in males over 1 year
old average at least 1.5 inches. Spurs longer than two inches have
been recorded.
Ocellated turkeys are significantly smaller than any of the five
subspecies of North American wild turkeys. Adult hens weigh
approximately 8 pounds just prior to egg-laying and nesting and
about 6-7 pounds the remainder of the year. During the breeding
season adult males weigh approximately 11-12 pounds.
*Content courtesy of The
National Wild Turkey Federation.
Male ocellated turkeys, or cantors as they are refered
to by the local guides, do not gobble, they sing. Click HERE to
hear the Ocellated Turkey song Warning: when ocellated
turkeys are near enough that hear the drumming portion of their
songs, they are close; so be ready!
Getting There - Ocellated Turkey
Hunting
Hunters fly into Campeche or Mèrida. An
overnight hotel preceding or following ocellated turkey hunts is
not necessary, but is suggested. Ocellated turkey hunts take place
at Tixmucuy, which is a mere 40 minutes drive from Campeche, or
2.25 hours from Mèrida. At arrival, guests are
greeted by our professional staff.
If overnighting, because US arrivals are typically 9:30 PM,
guests are treated to dinner and a brief, enjoyable tour
of historic Mèrida, which is refered to as ciuidad blanco
"white city" due to it's cleanliness. Hunters are then
transferred to the eco-friendly San Pedro lodge near
Tixmucuy. On your return, guests overnight, enjoy a tour or
dinner in the beautiful city of Mèrida, and return on the 9:30 AM
flight the following morning. Your hosts will accompany and
accomodate you from arrival until departure.
Trophy Import - Ocellated Turkey Hunting
Ocellated turkeys are CITES-listed species. In addition
to the Importation of Fish and Wildlife Form 3-177, a
certificat of origin, hunting permit and corresonding tag affixed
to your trophy ocellated turkey leg is neccesary. Form 3-177
and instructions will be included in your GetDucks.com's Ocellated
Turkey Hunting Pre-trip package.
Your host will provide the other necessary items during your
hunt. Birds will be professionally caped and prepared for
transport. For transporting 1-2 birds, a soft sided ice chest
(carry on) or small hard-sided ice chest with strong tape or
straps (checked baggage) is sufficient.
VERY IMPORTANT NOTE - Ocellated Turkey Hunting
in Mexico
Some hunters that recently tried to import ammunition
without the proper permits discovered the ugly
consequences. This is a serious criminal offense in Mexico,
so don't dream of trying it. We'll provide you with the shells you
need at the ranch.
Related Links - Ocellated Turkey Hunting
View Ocellated Turkey
Hunting Photo Gallery
Importation of Fish and Wildlife Form 3-177
Certification of Registration for Personal Effects
Taken Abroad (Form 4457)
Click HERE to hear the
Ocellated Turkey song
To book Ocellated Turkey Hunts or for more information contact
us toll free at 1-866-438-3897 or email ramsey@getducks.com.