Wild Turkey
Image: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Quartl" title="User:Quartl">Quartl</a> (CC BY-SA 3.0)
NameWild Turkey
Common NameWild Turkey
Scientific NameMeleagris gallopavo
FamilyPhasianidae
Wingspan (cm)150
Length (cm)105
Weight (g)8000
Plumage DetailsBody plumage is dark, iridescent, appearing bronze, copper, green, and red in different lights. The head and neck are largely featherless, with skin color varying from blue, white, or red, adorned with fleshy growths called wattles and caruncles. Males also possess a 'beard' of coarse feathers on their chest.
Vocalization / CallKnown for its distinctive 'gobble' call, primarily made by males during breeding season. Other vocalizations include clucks, purrs, yelps, and putts used for communication within flocks.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, woodland, swamp, grassland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeNative to North America, found across much of the eastern, central, and southwestern United States, as well as parts of southern Canada and northern Mexico. Introduced to other parts of the world.
Identifying FeaturesLarge size, Bare, colorful head and neck with wattles and caruncles, Iridescent body plumage, Fan-shaped tail (especially in males), Distinctive gobble call
Description
The Wild Turkey is a large, ground-dwelling bird native to North America, known for its iridescent plumage and bare, colorful head and neck. Males display an elaborate fanned tail and engage in distinctive gobbling calls during courtship.
