Wild Turkey
NameWild Turkey
Common NameWild Turkey
Scientific NameMeleagris gallopavo
FamilyPhasianidae
Wingspan (cm)135
Length (cm)110
Weight (g)8000
Plumage DetailsMales exhibit iridescent bronze, copper, green, red, and gold plumage, appearing dark from a distance. Their large, fan-shaped tail feathers are brown with black bands and a wide buff or white terminal band. The head and neck are largely featherless, displaying red, white, and blue skin, with fleshy wattles and caruncles.
Vocalization / CallKnown for its characteristic 'gobble' call, primarily by males during breeding season. They also produce a variety of other vocalizations including clucks, purrs, yelps, and putts.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, woodland, open fields, swamp
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeNative to North America, found across much of the eastern, central, and southwestern United States, as well as parts of Mexico and southern Canada.
Identifying Featureslarge size, iridescent body plumage, bare, colorful head and neck, fan-shaped tail display (males), distinctive 'gobble' call
Description
The Wild Turkey is a large, ground-dwelling bird native to North America, known for its iridescent plumage and distinctive fanned tail display, especially by males. They are primarily forest dwellers, foraging on the ground for a variety of food items.
