First Adult Gobbler in Northern Illinois with Unusual Feather Colors: Eastern or Hybrid?

Rio Grandes do have cream-colored feather tips. I don’t know how far that sub-species occurs to the east, though.

Looks like a rio to me

@Rob that's what I thought too. Thanks

@Gobbler thanks

If your area has ever had a reintroduction of rios, it’s possible that it’s a genetic throwback. Michigan tried Merriams decades ago but they couldn’t take the winters so they switched to Easterns. I’ve seen and taken similar looking “Easterns” over the years that I believe had Merriams genetics. Either way congrats!

@Mike thanks