Gobbling to Gain a Gal
Wild Turkeys of North America
by Sophie Jenkins, age 9
If
you live in North America or Mexico, wild turkeys just might inhabit
your neighborhood. Though wild turkeys are seemingly common, they are
actually a fascinating and surprising species.
One
intriguing aspect of wild turkeys is their physical appearance. For
example, wild turkeys have snoods, or large, fleshy growths hanging
from their foreheads. The heads of wild turkeys are covered in bright
red and blue warty skin. This skin is complimented by the turkey’s
almost metallic, brown plumage. Interestingly, female turkeys are
smaller and have duller plumages than males.
Wild turkeys are
also a curious species because of their unique mating and breeding
rituals. Attempting to show off to a female audience, a male turkey
ruffles his feathers, fans his tail, and gobbles loudly. Turkeys
typically roost in trees during the night, a fact that might be
unexpected because they spend the majority of their time on the
ground; however, females nest among bushes and undergrowth during
from February to August, or throughout their breeding season.
Another
surprising aspect of the wild turkey is its ability to fly. Though
wild turkeys are particularly heavy creatures, they are powerful
fliers indeed.
[Source:
The
Kingfisher
Children’s Encyclopedia
]
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