Meleagris gallapavo
Length: 43-45 Weight: 5-25 lbs
Identification:
Variegated brown and black, with black and white striped wing feathers. Tail feather rusty brown with broad black and tan bars.
Distribution:
Native to Mexico and eastern North America, now introduced as a game bird throughout all 50 states.
Cool Facts:
Wild Turkeys are one of only two native North American birds that have been domesticated, the other being the Muscovy Duck. Domestic turkeys in Mexico were brought back to Europe by explorers, then accompanied future colonists back to North America.
In a pinch, turkeys can swim by fanning out their tail in the water and kicking.
Make your own bird cookies!
References:
Bird on the Move 