Rare turkey makes Christmas debut

The ocellated turkey is from central and southern America

Edinburgh Zoo has become home to a special breed of endangered turkey.

The ocellated turkey from central and southern America is in decline as its habitat is wiped out and it becomes more vulnerable to hunting.

Now Edinburgh Zoo is providing a safe haven for four of the birds which recently joined its animal collection.

The bird is smaller than the North American species, with bronze-green coloured feathers and an eye-shaped, blue spot at the end of its tail.

It also has a voice similar to the northern species. The male makes a gobbling sound during the breeding season, while the female bird makes a clucking noise.

The birds are classified as "near threatened" by the World Conservation Union.

Edinburgh Zoo is the only one in the UK with ocellated turkeys.

Darren McGarry, animal collection manager, said: "We are delighted to have this special species of turkey join our animal collection at Edinburgh Zoo and to continue in the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland's commitment to the conservation of species in decline."