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The turkey is a large bird in the genus Meleagris, native to North America. There are two extant turkey species: the wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) of eastern and central North America and the ocellated turkey (Meleagris ocellata) of the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico.
Turkey, either of two species of birds classified as members of either the family Phasianidae or Meleagrididae (order Galliformes). The best known is the common turkey, while the other species is the ocellated turkey. Learn more about the birds, including their domestication and characteristics.
These big, spectacular birds are an increasingly common sight the rest of the year, too, as flocks stride around woods and clearings like miniature dinosaurs. Courting males puff themselves into feathery balls and fill the air with exuberant gobbling.
The Wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) is an upland ground bird native to North America, one of two extant species of turkey, and the heaviest member of the diverse Galliformes (a group of game birds which includes grouse, pheasants, and partridges).
In a letter to his daughter, Franklin described the turkey as a “bird of courage” and noted its status as a true native of North America. Despite his praise, the bald eagle ultimately became the national emblem. 14. A Group of Turkeys Is Called a Rafter. Wild turkeys are social animals that often travel in groups. A group of turkeys is known as a rafter, though the term flock is more commonly used in everyday language. These groups help turkeys stay safe by providing multiple sets of ...
Turkeys need more space than other birds, because they are quite large. You should be able to give them plenty of room to forage and search for insects and other prey. They are social birds, and need to live in groups to be happy.
Wild Turkeys are very large, plump birds with long legs, wide, rounded tails, and a small head on a long, slim neck. One of our largest and heaviest birds; smaller than a Trumpeter Swan; about twice the size (and four times as heavy) as a Ring-necked Pheasant. Turkeys are dark overall with a bronze-green iridescence to most of their plumage.
Hear the tale of a popular game bird that nearly disappeared in the wild. Find out how flocks of wild turkey have reclaimed their old stomping grounds.
Feb 28, 2023 · Wild Turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo), native to North America, are adaptable birds found in various habitats from grasslands to open woodlands. Males are larger with distinctive beards and colorful facial features, while females are smaller and either lack these characteristics or they are less pronounced.
Wild Turkeys usually get around by walking or running, but they can fly strongly, and they typically roost overnight in tall trees. Turkeys were formerly considered to belong to a separate family from other chicken-like birds; there are only two species, ours in North America and the Ocellated Turkey in Central America.