THE PHYSICAL APPEARANCE OF WILD TURKEYS IS AS DISTINCTIVE AS THEIR BEHAVIORS . ADULT MALES ARE THE MOST EYE-CATCHING , WITH IRIDESCENT FEATHERS THAT CAN APPEAR BRONZE , GREEN , OR COPPERY , DEPENDING ON THE LIGHT . THEIR HEADS ARE BARE , WITH BLUISH-GRAY SKIN THAT TURNS VIVID RED , WHITE , AND BLUE DURING COURTSHIP DISPLAYS , A STRIKING CONTRAST THAT ADDS TO THEIR ALLURE . THE TOMS ALSO POSSESS A FLESHY SNOOD THAT DRAPES OVER THEIR BEAK AND A TUFT OF HAIR- LIKE FEATHERS , KNOWN AS A BEARD , PROTRUDING FROM THEIR CHEST . THIS BEARD CAN GROW UP TO TEN INCHES LONG AND IS A UNIQUE FEATURE OF THE SPECIES . THEIR STRONG LEGS , EQUIPPED WITH SHARP SPURS , ARE USED IN BATTLES WITH OTHER MALES AS THEY COMPETE FOR DOMINANCE .
70 • KIAWAH CONSERVANCY