The Wild Turkey is a large, ground-dwelling bird native to North America. It has a broad, fan-shaped tail and iridescent plumage that shifts from bronze and green to gold in sunlight. Males, or toms, are especially striking with their bald, red-and-blue heads, long, drooping wattles, and spurred legs. Females, called hens, are smaller and duller in color, offering better camouflage for nesting.
Wild Turkeys are highly social birds, often traveling in flocks. During the spring, males perform elaborate courtship displays, puffing up their feathers, fanning their tails, and gobbling loudly to attract hens. They are strong fliers over short distances, often roosting in trees at night for safety. They prefer eating hard mast such as acorns and nuts of various trees, including hazel, chestnut, and hickory, various seeds, berries, roots and insects.
These birds thrive in mixed habitats of forests and open fields. They prefer wooded areas for roosting and nesting but rely on adjacent clearings for feeding. Historically, their populations declined due to hunting and habitat loss, but conservation efforts have helped them rebound. Today, Wild Turkeys are common throughout much of their range and are an iconic species in American culture.
We’re feeling extra thankful today, and we’re sharing the bird love with this festive Birdorable graphic! This cute Thanksgiving-themed image features a Birdorable Wild Turkey, along with many other birds found in the United States, wishing everyone a "Happy Thanksgiving Day." It's perfect for sharing with your fellow bird enthusiasts, friends, and family. Read more »
Some birds have fleshy growths hanging or protruding from the head or the neck. When these are a normal part of their anatomy, they are called caruncles. Caruncles are often made of bare skin, though some may have a sparse covering... Read more »
If you live in the United States then you will probably be celebrating Thanksgiving tomorrow. And like many families, chances are you will have a turkey on the table. But what do you really know about these birds? Did you know... Read more »
We would like to wish everyone who celebrates this holiday a Happy Thanksgiving today, with this picture of our Wild Turkey accompanied by a Tufted Titmouse. May the good things in life be yours in abundance, not only at Thanksgiving but throughout the coming year. Read more »
