Wild Turkey
NameWild Turkey
Common NameWild Turkey
Scientific NameMeleagris gallopavo
FamilyPhasianidae
Wingspan (cm)120
Length (cm)100
Weight (g)7000
Plumage DetailsPlumage is generally dark and iridescent, appearing bronze, copper, green, and red in different lights. Wings are barred with white or buff. The head and neck are largely featherless, with skin coloration varying from red, white, and blue, often changing with the bird's excitement or health.
Vocalization / CallKnown for its characteristic '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, forest edge, agricultural land
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeNative to North America, found across much of the eastern and central United States, parts of the western United States, and southern Canada and Mexico. They have been widely reintroduced.
Identifying FeaturesLarge size, Bare, warty head and neck (red, white, blue coloration), Iridescent dark body plumage, Fan-shaped tail (especially males), Distinctive 'gobble' call, Long legs
Description
The Wild Turkey is a large, ground-dwelling bird native to North America, known for its distinctive bare, warty head and neck, and iridescent dark plumage. Males are significantly larger than females and display elaborate courtship rituals, including fanning their tail feathers and vocalizing a loud 'gobble'.
