Wild Turkey
Image: <div class="fn value"> <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Erc%C3%A9" title="User:Ercé">Roger Culos</a></div> (CC BY-SA 4.0)
NameWild Turkey
Common NameWild Turkey
Scientific NameMeleagris gallopavo
FamilyPhasianidae
Wingspan (cm)135
Length (cm)100
Weight (g)7000
Plumage DetailsPlumage is generally dark and iridescent, appearing bronze, copper, green, and red in different lights. Males have a bare, featherless head and neck that can change color (red, white, blue) depending on excitement, and a distinctive 'beard' of coarse feathers on the chest.
Vocalization / CallKnown for its distinctive 'gobble' call, primarily made by males during breeding season. Other vocalizations include clucks, purrs, yelps, and putts.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, woodland, open fields
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeNative to North America, found across much of the United States, southern Canada, and parts of Mexico.
Identifying FeaturesLarge size, Iridescent bronze-green plumage, Bare, colorful head and neck, Fan-shaped tail display (males), Distinctive gobble call, Beard of coarse feathers (males)
Description
The Wild Turkey is a large, ground-dwelling game bird native to North America. Males are known for their elaborate courtship displays, fanning their tails and gobbling to attract females. They are typically found foraging on the forest floor.
