Wild Turkey
QUICK FACTS
Scientific Name
Meleagris gallopavo
Species Survival Plan
No
Habitat
Open woodlands with clearings, forest edges, brushy areas and semiarid mountains in the American Southwest
Predators
Man, coyote, fox, bobcat, owl, hawk, eagle, feral dog
At nest site - raccoon, skunk, snake, opossum, feral cat
Food
Acorns, seeds, fruit, nuts, insects, grasshoppers and small invertebrates
Originally Native To
North America
Height
37 - 46 inches
Weight
16 lb.
Characteristics
Turkeys have small heads, round wings and long tail feathers with dark iridescent body feathers and bare heads with pink and blue coloration
Gestation Period
27 - 28 days
Offspring
4 - 17 eggs
Birth Season
June - August
Lifespan
Wild 3 - 4 years
Captivity 10 - 12 years
Social Behavior
Polygamous
About Wild Turkey
Wild turkeys are the largest North American game bird and the fowl that was Benjamin Franklin’s choice for America’s national bird. They are related to grouse, quail and pheasants. There are six subspecies of wild turkeys in the United States with the Rio Grande subspecies being the primary one found in Texas.
At one time, habitat loss and diseases spread by native poultry came close to wiping them out. During the 1940s, an introduction program was instigated that has proven most successful.
They usually run rather than fly from danger and can run about 25 mph, but are quite capable flyers with a maximum speed of 55 mph. They spend the early morning and late afternoon foraging before frequently flying into trees to roost at night.
People tend to think of turkeys with their tail feathers fanned out. This is the male’s courtship display that accompanies his gobbling, which can be heard up to a mile away, and strutting in hopes of attracting a mate.
There are two major characteristics that distinguish males from females: spurs and beards. The spurs can grow to almost two inches and the beards are a prized trophy for some hunters.
In most areas, the nest can be found in a shallow dirt depression, concealed in grass or shrubs. The female builds the nest and lines it with dead leaves and grass.
She lays an egg per day until she reaches a clutch of 4-17 eggs, which she incubates for 27-28 days. A newly hatched brood must be ready to leave the nest within 12-24 hours to feed.
The male turkey takes no role in their upbringing. Mothers will feed the poults (young turkeys) for just a few days before they must take responsibility for their own foraging. Young will stay with their mothers, sometimes combining with other family units, throughout the winter.
Of all domesticated fowl, only the turkey and the Muscovy duck originated in the New World.
MEET THE NEIGHBORS
White-Tailed Deer
“White-tailed deer” refers to the white underside of the tail, which is held conspicuously erect like a flag when the animal is alarmed or running....
Read More
Texas Tortoise
The Texas tortoise is the smallest of four species of gopher tortoises found in the United States. They range from southern Texas into northeastern Mexico....
Read More
Sandhill Crane
Sandhill cranes have the longest migratory route of any crane at about 14,000 miles per roundtrip. They migrate along the Central Flyway from their wintering...
Read More
Red Wolf
The howl of the red wolf was once heard throughout the southeastern United States from Texas to Illinois, but now it has become a rarity....
Read More
Mexican Gray Wolf
Mexican gray wolves are the smallest of the gray wolf subspecies and the rarest wolf from this group as well. Adults typically weigh 60-80 pounds...
Read More
Maned Wolf
Though termed a wolf and closely resembling a large red fox, this animal is placed in a genus of its own. The maned wolf is...
Read More
LaMancha Goat
American LaManchas were created in the 1930s by a woman named Eula F. Frey in Oregon. The Murciana, a Spanish goat breed originally crossed to...
Read More
Greater Roadrunner
The greater roadrunner, a ground cuckoo also known as the chaparral cock, is easily spotted by its distinctive appearance consisting of a black-and-white mottled feather...
Read More
Blue and Gold Macaw
They will climb more often than not, only flying to cover long distances. When in flight, these birds can reach a speed of 35 miles...
Read More
Black-Tailed Jackrabbit
Jackrabbits are not rabbits; they are actually hares, which are larger than rabbits and generally have longer ears and hind legs. They are fast animals,...
Read More
Attwater’s Prairie Chicken
The Attwater’s prairie chicken (APC) is possibly the most endangered bird in North America. There are more whooping cranes than APCs. Only by protecting and...
Read More
American Bison
“Buffalo” is the term used by most people to describe the American bison. The term buffalo is believed to be derived from a name given...
Read More
ANYTHING YOU GIVE HELPS THE ANIMALS
As a private nonprofit corporation, Fossil Rim does not receive national or state government support. Every cent spent or donated here goes in some way, directly or indirectly, toward the care of our animals.