Zoology of the ZooPl. CLVII
Wild turkey
Meleagris gallopavo
Aves · Galliformes · Phasianidae
Fig. 1. Wild turkey
Fig. 2. Range
| Length or height | About 76-125 cm long |
|---|---|
| Weight | About 2.5-11 kg; males much heavier |
| Food | Acorns, seeds, insects |
| Lifespan | About 3-5 years in the wild (est.) |
| Society | Flocks; males display |
| Habitat | forest, grassland |
| Range | North America |
| Wild or tame | Wild |
Wild turkeys fly well, up to about 90 km/h in short bursts, and roost in trees. The Osceola turkey lives only in peninsular Florida. Farm turkeys (broad-breasted breeds) were bred so heavy-breasted they cannot fly at all.
Observe: Watch males strut: tail fanned, wings dragging, the bare head flushing red, white and blue.