Quote Originally Posted by choco-lab View Post
Aren't there less Merriams than Rios out there? They look similar. What's the easiest way to distinguish between the two?
Most of NE's "pure strain" Merriams are in the NW corner of the state.. (such that they are)..

Merriams- White to buff colored tail and rump feathers. Merriams turkey are very dark in coloration overall- black and purple and hints of blue all appear.

Rios-yellowish buff to tan coloration on tail and rump feathers...

They can and will vary due to hybridization that surely occurs where the two birds coexist.

Merriams are a true mountain turkey preferring high elevation in most areas.. NE is going to be an exception -as they were stocked in the area.

One commonality - both supspecies are fun as hell to hunt!! Go enjoy!! Best of luck!!!