Wild Turkey
The Wild
Turkey - Turkeys are classified as order Galliformes, Family Meleagridae. They
are native to north and central America and were introduced into Europe in the
16th century by the Spanish explorers. The male measures four feet in length including
the tail and the female three feet. It has a hooked bill, a naked bluish head
and neck. A red fold of flesh called a wattle hangs from the chin. The iridescent
plumage is bronze with green highlights and a squarish tail with chestnut or white
tips. The wings are short and rounded. They live in small flocks feeding on insects
and plant matter.
During the mating season each male gathers a harem. He
then performs for them by strutting and displaying his tail feathers. The female
then builds a well hidden nest on the ground and 8-18 buff coloured eggs are laid.
The wild turkey is still hunted.