The difference

[boneaddict]

I'm sure I could look it up and research it, but in some regards if someone wants to take the time, lots of people would benefi from this......I couldn't tell you the difference in the field between a RIO, Eastern or Merriams.  Other than local, what are some appreciable differences.  I've heard some tlak buff this or color........

I run alot in the Methow and in the Coville.  I'd bet I run into Rios and Merriams or even mixed but couldn't tell you one from the other. 

[yelp]

Merriam, Rio Grande, Eastern  All taken in Washington State.  As you see the eastern is darker than the Rio or Merriam..which is easy to distinguish.  The Merriam has several rows of banding on back..Rio usually doesn't have as much banding but colors are a Buff or tan color.

[boneaddict]

so on the "hoof", I'd look for banding on teh backs of the birds for Rio and Merriams, the Rios would have them but not as much and would be more of a buff color.  Other than that, locale.....   

[WDFW-SUX]

Those turkeys all look the same to me

[yelp]

For the most part...There are some variations and colors within each subspecies however and certain areas may have some mixing especially in areas that border eachother...Lincoln county and Stevens County as an example.  But again the Eastern is totally different in coloration..some more pics I found...

[boneaddict]

I think I have the eastern figured out.  Thos eother two....I'd need practice. 

[boneaddict]

It doesn't help that I hang out alot where the two species cross over as mentioned.

[turkeydancer]

Don't know if it will help you, but the state goes strickly by county of kill for classification purposes, vice the coloration. The coloration can vary somewhat by genetics even within a subspecies without hybridization ... Yelp is right though that Easterns have the darker brown tips, Merriams whiter tips, and buff or tan for the Rios.