Wild Turkey

Meleagris gallopavo

Although the Wild Turkey was well known to Native Americans and widely used by them as food, certain tribes considered these birds stupid and cowardly and did not eat them for fear of acquiring these characteristics. Turkeys are swift runners and in spite of their size are good flyers -- they are said to be able to fly at a speed of 50 miles per hour! The male turkey gobbles and struts with his tail fanned out to attract females.

Look For : Male: naked red, white, and blue head, with black beard on breast.

Length : 36-48".

Habitat : Forests.

Range : Widespread; increasing in the East.