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 ]

Really good article. I did not know a lot about this. Keep up the good work. – Daniel J , Sennett MS (2014-06-19 18:06)
your articles are always very interesting and never fail to amaze me – alana , falk (2015-01-26 14:03)
amazing and filled with information – lileah , falk (2015-01-26 14:08)
Have you seen a wild turkey? There are many in Ohio. Good information by a good writer! – Granny , Ohio (2015-02-01 19:24)
Name

Location

Email

Comment