Turkey tails vs Turkey quills

[gadabout]

In my 40 years of fly tying, I've collected a bunch of turkey feathers. Some are marked ”turkey tails”, some are “turkey quills” and some just say “turkey feathers”. I’ve never been quite sure of the difference between these. And I’d also like to categorize the ones that are unmarked. They all look sorta the same. Any help would be appreciated.

[nfrechette]

i'm not a feather expert but i think the turkey tail feathers come from that area of the bird and turkey quill feathers come from the wings

[jcampbell]

Norm is right on with his photo and description. The body feathers are called turkey flats for the most part and have varying colors or hues. Very useful for some nymph patterns. I have friends who hunts turkey and I too have more feathers than I'll ever use. Much better than having too little or none.

[gadabout]

i'm not a feather expert but i think the turkey tail feathers come from that area of the bird and turkey quill feathers come from the wings

Understood, but they both kind of look the same. Wondering how to tell the difference when they're not attached to the bird. Also, what is each type best suited for?

[Rick Z]

Tail feather barbs are about the same length on each side of the feather. Wings have longer barbs on one side an the other are biots.

Rick

[gadabout]

Tail feather barbs are about the same length on each side of the feather. Wings have longer barbs on one side an the other are biots.

Rick

The following then, would seem to fit the description of tail feathers, yet they are labeled as quills.

[nfrechette]

The following then, would seem to fit the description of tail feathers, yet they are labeled as quills.

they are probably the wing secondary quills



primary wing feather. note the short biots on the leading edge



tail feather



if this doesnt help, theres a lot of info on the google machine

[nfrechette]

not all wing feathers have biots

primary wing feathers have the biots on the leading edge

[jcampbell]

I would say to use your imagination. I have used the flats and tail feathers for nymph bodies, and legs. Your can also use the same material for wings. On this site, check out Al Campbell's, post in Beginning Fly tying for using Turkey flats for hackle tip wings. I also use wild turkey Biot from the wing feathers to wrap bodies and V-tails. You won't find allot of uses in standard patterns, but make up your own. Enjoy!