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A Beginners Guide to North American Turkeys




The wild turkey of North America is similar to the familiar barnyard
turkey, but slimmer and with rusty tip to tail.


The wild turkey is the species from which all domesticated breeds
have been developed. The bird has buff-colored feathers on the tips
of the wing coverts and on the tail. The male has a long wattle at the
base of the bill and additional wattles on the neck, as well as a prominent
tuft of bristles resembling a beard projecting downward from its chest.

Wild turkeys are good fliers for short distances.

They roost in trees at night.

They feed on acorns, fruit and seeds.

The male or gobbler turkey, calls in the morning to his hens.


Wild Turkey nests are built of dried leaves and grasses in concealed
places on the ground. From 9 to 18 creamy white eggs with red-brown
speckles are laid in a clutch.


The wild turkey was originally domesticated in Mexico, and was
brought into Europe early in the 16th century. Since that time, turkeys
have been extensively raised because of the excellent quality of their
meat and eggs.


North Carolina, Minnesota, and California are the leading states
in turkey production

Picture Domestic Turkey




Turkeys belong to the family Phasianidae of the order Galliformes.
They are sometimes placed in a separate family, Meleagrididae.


Some common breeds of turkey in the United States include:

Bourbon Red
Bronze
Narragansett
White Holland


See Also:

Absolutely Adorable Stuffed Plush Turkeys & Birds

Index of North American Birds

Turkey as a Thanksgiving Tradition


Index of All Bird Care & Birdie Fun Stuff

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