Wild Turkey Photos by Bruce Dayton - Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo)

ORDER: Galliformes
FAMILY: Phasianidae (Pheasants and Grouse - 15 Species)
SUB-FAMILY: Meleagridinae
SPECIES: Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo)

Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo)
Wild turkeys are native to North America. There are five subspecies: Eastern, Osceola (Florida), Rio Grande, Merriam's and Gould's. All five range throughout different parts of the continent. The best time to observe them is when they are feeding, which is early in the morning or in the afternoon.
SIZE	The Wild Turkey is a large (43-45") game bird.
DESCRIPTION	Adults have a small featherless bluish head, a red throat, long reddish-orange legs and a dark body. Males have red wattles on the throat, spurs on their legs and a "beard" sticking out from their breast.
NESTING	Clutch size ranges from 8-14 eggs. Incubation is 25-30 days after clutch is complete. Most nests are made in scratched-out depressions at the base of trees or against fallen logs.
RANGE	Wild Turkeys are common in most of the eastern states and in isolated areas in the western states.
HABITAT	Turkeys habitat wooded areas, usually with small clearings, which helps keep them hidden from predators.
DIET	They feed on acorns and nuts of various trees, including hazel, chestnut, and hickory, various seeds, berries, roots and insects. The young mainly eat insects, berries, and seeds.

INTERESTING FACTS

Game Bird

Any hunted wild bird suitable for food, such as wild turkey. Some more of the common game birds are the pheasant, wild turkey, partridge, quail, grouse, goose, and wild duck.

Native

Originally from a place. Native plants and animals are organisms that were here before people came. Sometimes new species are introduced to a place. These new species are called "invaders" or "non-natives."

Domesticated Birds

Only two birds originating in the New World have been domesticated. They are the Wild Turkey and the Muscovy Duck.

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The images on this web page are copyrighted © 2003 - 2007 by Bruce Dayton. I want to share my photos to promote conservation and to help people identify and learn about the birds and other creatures that live with us on the North American continent. Please do not use any of my work in any non-profit or for-profit project without first getting written permission from me. You can ask for permission by emailing me at webmaster@wildlifeofnorthamerica.info. All reproductions must bear an appropriate credit.




Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo)

Groton Township Tompkins County, New York


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WdTk-113A_006228	WdTk-113A_034218

Romulus Township Seneca County, New York	Locke Township Cayuga County, New York


WdTk-113A_500893	WdTk-113A_022705

Yellow-breasted Chat Drawing by Louis Agassiz Fuertes