Took a nice gobbler yesterday but was relly shocked when I got to the downed bird. His beard was a tan/blond color from where it came out of the chest down about 4 inches. There was about a half inch transition area then the last 2 inches to the tip of the beard was a typical black color. All the hairs in the beard had this color marking.

I am curious because I have never seen a beard any color but black.

Is this a genetic thing or is there something that might cause the beard to grow out and change color as it grows?

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

What you have is actually a hen who had her beard "highlighted", it's all the rage in Missouri.

I have seen and taken several birds with off color portions in their beard, i always thought of it as a natural discoloration. Most of the birds i have seen with this have had shorter beards also.

not sure anyone knows the answer, but check out this link (pic at bottom of link page):

odd beards

Great article and pic Ray!!We kill 1 or 2 birds yearly that have these off colored blond beards and some that are a two-toned black to rust color.My understanding is its caused by a dietary problem related to a defiency of melanin.This vitamin is directly related to the growth of a turkeys beard as well as our own hair.