The wild turkey is an amazing bird with raptor-like feet, a coarse, dangling beard on its chest, and a gobble that can challenge anything, even car alarms. Even though some attention has already been paid to some of these, none of them may be as fascinating as the bird’s infamously ugly head’s constantly shifting color.
Have you ever encountered a blue or purple mark on your raw turkey leaving you wondering if it’s safe to eat? Fear not fellow culinary adventurer, for this phenomenon is more common than you might think, and it’s often nothing to worry about.
Let’s delve into the world of turkey coloration and understand the reasons behind this unusual hue.
The Science Behind the Blue
The color of raw turkey skin can vary from a bluish-white to yellow and all these shades are perfectly normal. This variation is primarily influenced by several factors:
- Breed: Different turkey breeds have varying skin pigmentation, with some naturally exhibiting a bluish tinge.
- Exercise: Turkeys that have more freedom to roam and exercise tend to have less fat under their skin, making the bluish cast more prominent.
- Age: Younger turkeys typically have less fat, resulting in a more bluish appearance compared to older birds with thicker fat layers.
- Diet: The feed given to turkeys can also influence their skin color. For instance, marigolds in the feed can contribute to a yellowish hue.
Is Blue or Purple Turkey Safe to Eat?
Absolutely! The blue or purple coloration on your turkey is not an indication of spoilage or contamination. It’s simply a result of the factors mentioned above and poses no risk to your health.
What to Do with a Blue or Purple Turkey
If you’re concerned about the appearance of your turkey, here are a few things you can do:
- Check the Smell: The best indicator of freshness is the smell. If your turkey has a fresh, poultry-like odor, it’s safe to consume.
- Look for Other Signs of Spoilage: Check for any signs of spoilage, such as discoloration, sliminess, or an off odor. If you notice any of these, discard the turkey immediately.
- Cook Thoroughly: Always cook your turkey to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat.
Tips for Choosing a Turkey
When selecting a turkey, look for one with a healthy appearance and no signs of damage or discoloration. If you’re concerned about the blue or purple hue, opt for a turkey with a thicker layer of fat under the skin, as this will minimize the bluish cast.
Embrace the Variety of Colors
Remember, the color of raw turkey can vary, and a blue or purple tinge is often a natural occurrence. As long as your turkey is fresh and cooked properly, it’s perfectly safe and delicious to enjoy.
So, the next time you encounter a blue or purple mark on your raw turkey, don’t panic – it’s simply a sign of its unique characteristics and poses no threat to your culinary adventure.
The Seven-Faced Bird: An Anecdote
All those who have seen a turkey up close for a long time have noticed that it can alter the color of its head. This distinguishing characteristic is reflected in the names of the birds in Japan and Korea, Shichimencho and Chilmyeonjo, respectively, which translate to “the Seven-faced Bird” in English. A hunter who has spent time with these birds will tell you that there are at least three faces: blue, white, and regrettably red. Seven faces may be a bit of a stretch.
A few years ago, while hunting spring turkeys in Southern Ontario, I had the firsthand experience of just how quickly these birds can make these transitions. For the majority of my hunting career, I have been allowed to hunt on this small piece of farmland. The turkeys see little pressure from hunters because I am the only one hunting the land, with the exception of a few close friends and family members, and they are frequently cooperative. But this season, I was able to pull off enough botched hunts early on to make the birds as cautious as I had ever seen them. One of these clumsy hunts, however, resulted in some interesting observations.
Working the same big tom that I had encountered on opening day for the majority of the early season was memorable, especially for the one white-striped tail feather that sat in the center of his dark brown fan. Although this bird would have made a great nickname for itself in this section of the narrative, Jack White (also known as Elephant or another nickname related to the White Stripes) sadly went unnamed during my pursuit of him.
The familiar pale blue head of the turkey emerged from the woods early in the second week of the season, strutting across the field and b-lining towards my decoys after endless days of listening to him gobble in far-off fields. The bird paused a few times, and then began to cluck again when I called, and eventually the tom was getting close enough to shoot, his head still in dull but beautiful shades of blue and white. The bird paused as it got to forty yards away, its head raised and its color beginning to deepen into striking shades of red. I didn’t give it any thought and let out a few more clucks to get the bird closer to my desired distance of thirty yards before taking my shot. The tom’s now-dark red head lowered as soon as I released the sound, and he started running across the field. I didn’t see him again until mid-May, when I eventually succeeded in taking him.
What the Colours Mean
Although they are extremely difficult to hunt, you can learn a lot about their moods from their colorful appearance, which will help you make wiser decisions in the woods. As seen in my unfortunate anecdote, head colour is one of the best clues. As the turkey approached, his head was in pale shades of white and blue. These colors usually indicate that the bird is at ease and that you are well hidden, keeping it from realizing you are there. Additionally, these hues are known to appear pale when a turkey is getting ready to mate, which is a great indicator if the bird is approaching one of your hen decoys. Because of this, hunters should welcome a pale-colored turkey, which can help them unwind and gradually raise their gun to their shoulder.
As I experienced a few seasons ago, things can quickly turn bad even though the pale color of the head can be comforting. I missed the signal that might have ended my hunt as the bird approached 40 yards and his color started to deepen. When a wild turkey feels threatened or enraged, their head frequently flushes red, much like the blushing of a madman. For the hunter, this means hanging up the phone or just pulling the trigger because there isn’t much time left.
In addition to their head color, wild turkeys’ body language can reveal a lot about their emotional state. Here are a few to look out for when in the woods this season:
Putting:
When turkeys are afraid or upset, they will putt, which is a short, sharp call. This sound will sound noticeably sharper and shorter than the traditional cluck sound that hunters strive so hard to produce. If a bird makes this sound while you are around, it is probably aware of you and you should get shot right away. When in the field, hunters should also refrain from using this call. Make sure you are not the one issuing the warning signal by adding yelps to the end of your clucks.
Wing Twitching:
Wing twitching is common amongst aggravated birds. If you are using a male decoy, this may not be any cause for alarm. However, if you are managing a lone hen, finish your work quickly because it is probably getting ready to take off.
Head Up:
Turkeys are inherently cautious because almost everything in the woods is trying to eat them. They frequently keep their heads up, scanning the area for any indications of danger. Although you will probably encounter this on almost every hunt, several birds raising their heads simultaneously can frequently indicate that you have been discovered.
Why Your Turkey Isn’t Golden Brown?
FAQ
Why does turkey turn blue?
What are the signs of a spoiled turkey?
Why does my turkey look bruised?
What color should raw turkey be?
Why do turkeys look blue?
When turkeys are scared, their blood vessels contracts which exposes more collagen bands under their skin. Incoming light then scatters and reflects off of their skin which makes it appear blue. A retraction of blood from their wattles also makes them appear blue. This happens when they are scared or threatened.
Why do my arms turn blue when exposed to the cold?
Cold exposure can leads to constriction of peripheral blood vessels in patients. In some case even mild exposure can initiate constriction causing reduced blood flow to peripheral limbs. This reduced blood supply causes pale blue discoloration of affected limbs causing cyanosis. Warming of affected part can help treat the condition.
Do turkeys turn blue when scared?
Yes, turkeys turn blue when they are scared. Not their whole body but their heads and throats. When turkeys are scared, their blood vessels contracts which exposes more collagen bands under their skin. Incoming light then scatters and reflects off of their skin which makes it appear blue.
Why are male turkeys darker than female turkeys?
Male turkeys are typically darker than female turkeys. The color of a turkey can be threatened by habitat loss and climate change. Habitat loss can reduce the amount of suitable habitat for turkeys to live in. Climate change can also affect the color of a turkey’s feathers. For example, warmer temperatures can cause the feathers to fade.