Merriam's or Easterns?

[salish]

I shot this tom in Montana this past week. Is this an Eastern or Merriam's?

[Dan-o]

I shoot Merriam's every year.      They have fans just like these.  Especially the light tips. 

I've never shot an Eastern, but check out the couple Eastern pics in the turkey harvest thread.    Very dark fan tips. 

As a non expert, I'm gonna say they are Merriam's.

[salish]

Thanks Dan-O. That's what I'm thinking, also. They just look a little bit different from the Merriam's I normally shoot (less cream). I shot this bird in Montana this past week in an area known for Easterns. I was wondering if they might hybridize with Merriam's. Appreciate it.

[cem3434]

100% merriam turkeys. Easterns will be darker and have darker tips on the fans whereas merriams have the creamy whitish color.

[ctwiggs1]

Merriams

Nice bird!

[salish]

100% merriam turkeys. Easterns will be darker and have darker tips on the fans whereas merriams have the creamy whitish color.

Thank you.

[Russ McDonald]

Merriam for sure.   

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