Ocellated Turkey at Coba Ruins

At the Coba Ruins in the Yucatán, we came across an Ocellated Turkey walking calmly near the pyramid. This colorful bird is related to the Wild Turkey found in the eastern United States, but it looks very different. Its feathers shine with green, blue, and copper tones. Bright orange warts cover its head, giving it a unique look. This male had three hens nearby that he was clearly keeping an eye on. These birds may seem tame, but they can be protective if you get too close to their space. Locals say they sometimes chase people who step into their territory. Still, seeing an Ocellated Turkey up close was a special part of our visit to this ancient site.