The Narragansett turkey originates from Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island, USA. It was developed when colonists brought European breeds with them and they bred with the local breeds. Their coloring is a pattern of grey, tan, black and white.

The females lay creamy to brown eggs that are spotted, and they are good mothers. They also mature more quickly than other heritage breeds and have a rich flavor to the meat. Modern hybrid turkeys have become the preferred bird for farming as they put on weight much more quickly and are cheaper to feed, although heritage breeds such as the Narragansett are growing in numbers thanks to the efforts of breeders and small scale farmers.

This breed of turkey has a gentle temperament. They are flighty, need plenty of space to exercise and they are active foragers that require a free range set up. Mature males weigh around 10.4 kg and the females 6.3 kg.