There are two species of wild turkeys in the world, only one of which (Meleagris gallopavo) lives in the United States. This species is broken into five subspecies - Eastern, Osceola, Rio Grande, Merriam's and Gould's.

In an attempt to determine which subspecies was better suited for California's habitats, DFG released three of the five subspecies (Rios, Merriam's and Easterns) and an Eastern/Rio hybrid into different areas of the state. Based on the 2004 Wild Turkey Strategic Plan, and according to DFG Wild Turkey Biologist Scott Gardner, there has never been a release of Merriam's in Sonoma County. Only Rios have been released in Sonoma County. The closest Merriam's release was northern Mendocino County.

According to NWTF biologist Ryan Mathis, people frequently ask if their turkeys are wild/domestic hybrids. He says its possible, but unlikely. Natural color abnormalities often occur among birds and so people will confuse these characteristics with those of a wild/domestic hybrid. Color abnormalities that occur in wild turkeys include black (melanistic), red (erythritic), white (albinotic) and the most commonly reported, smoke gray phase, which is an incomplete albino. Mathis has seen the smoke gray and the erythritic phases in Sonoma County, but after viewing the photo you sent, he says the bird in question is neither of these. He says you have a Rio Grande.

Plumage coloration of a single subspecies varies wildly among wild turkeys from different areas within their range. The retrix tips (the band of color on the tail feathers) of Rio Grandes range from cinnamon to buff, and the tips of Merriam's range from buff to pinkish-white. Body feathers on Rio Grandes range from copper to greenish gold, and Merriam's are a purplish-bronze. Turkeys with a copper appearance are a dead giveaway, so what you've got is a Rio.

For more information and facts on wild turkeys, please visit www.dfg.ca.gov/wildlife/hunting/uplandgame or www.nwtf.org

Carrie Wilson is a marine environmental scientist with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. While she cannot personally answer everyone’s questions, she will select a few to answer each week in this column. Please contact her at [email protected].