The Ocellated Turkey is distributed in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico and adjacent areas of western Belize and northern Guatemala. See the distribution map at Birdlife International. It is found in forested areas which are close to open grassy clearings. Tikal is one of the best places to see them.

They are omnivorous, feeding on the ground on grass seeds, leaves, fruits and insects. At night they roost in trees.

It is classified as Near Threatened by Birdlife International because of its small population estimated at less than 50,000 birds.