Wild Turkey
The wild turkey is a bird with outstanding features and vibrant feathers. It thrives in forests and open lands, enjoying a varied diet and a life marked by seasonal rituals.
Common Name:
Wild Turkey
Scientific Name:
Meleagris gallopavo
Type:
Birds
Diet:
Omnivore
General Description
The wild turkey can grow up to 1.2 meters and weigh around 11 kg. This bird stands out with a wattle hanging from its neck and a snood draped over its beak. Males, known as toms, display a vibrant array of feathers with iridescent bronze hues, while females, or hens, sport a more subdued color palette.
Diet and Habitat
Wild turkeys enjoy various foods, including seeds, nuts, berries, insects, and small reptiles. They prefer living where open spaces and woodlands intersect, such as grasslands and hardwood forests. This habitat allows them to forage on the ground yet retreat to the safety of trees if threatened.
Life Expectancy
Wild turkeys typically live 3 to 5 years in the wild, with some reaching up to 10 years under ideal conditions. Their breeding season starts in early spring when males display and gobble to attract females. Hens lay an average of 10 to 12 eggs and incubate them for about 28 days. The chicks, called poults, are quite independent from birth and stay with their mother through the summer until they can fend for themselves.
Did You Know?
Despite their size, wild turkeys are strong fliers over short distances, reaching speeds up to 88 kilometers per hour!
Other Species
Have Any Questions?
While public visitation isn't possible, we welcome inquiries from researchers, conservationists, and those passionate about conservation.
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