Black

The Black turkey is a heritage color variety of the domestic turkey, Meleagris gallopavo, historically associated with Spanish Black and Norfolk Black birds. Early domestic turkeys traveled from the Americas to Europe and later returned with colonists, and black-plumaged lines became established on both sides of the Atlantic. A good Black turkey has solid black feathers with a green metallic sheen, dark wings and tail, and the typical bare head and caruncles of domestic turkeys. It is a variety name, not a separate species.

Black turkeys are kept for exhibition, heritage breeding, pasture-raised meat, and genetic diversity in small flocks. They dress less cleanly than white varieties because dark pinfeathers can remain visible, but live birds have strong visual appeal and a long farm history. Breeding choices should balance even color with body width, fertility, calm handling, and sound legs. Provide dry brooder conditions for poults, secure roosting at night, and enough space for adult toms to display without injuring hens or each other during the breeding season.

Colors: Black, Black with Green Sheen, Blue Slate, Bourbon Red, Bronze, Buff, Chocolate, Mottled, Narragansett, Penciled, Pied, Red Bronze, Royal Palm, Slate, White