Wild Turkey

About the Wild Turkey

The Wild Turkey is the heaviest member of the Galliformes, and is one of two species of turkey (the other is the Ocellated Turkey, found in Central and South America).

They are omnivorous, foraging on the ground or climbing shrubs and small trees to feed. They prefer eating hard mast such as acorns and nuts of various trees, including hazel, chestnut, and hickory, various seeds, berries, roots and insects.

Turkey populations can reach large numbers in small areas because of their ability to forage for different types of food. Early morning and late afternoon are the desired times for eating.

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Details & Statistics

Added to Birdorable
Hatched on 15 September 2006
Scientific Name
Meleagris gallopavo
  • Galliformes
  • Phasianidae
  • Meleagris
  • M. gallopavo
Birdorable Family
Conservation Status
Least Concern (as of 20 March 2020)
LC
  • Least Concern (LC)
  • Near Threatened (NT)
  • Vulnerable (VU)
  • Endangered (EN)
  • Critically Endangered (CR)
  • Extinct in the Wild (EW)
  • Extinct (EX)
Source: IUCN Red List
Measurements
Units: Imperial / Metric
39 to 49 inches

Range

International Names

Chinese (汉语) 火鸡
Czech (Cesky) Krocan Divoký
Danish (Dansk) Kalkun
Dutch (Nederlands) Kalkoen
Finnish (Suomi) Kalkkuna
French (Français) Dindon Sauvage
German (Deutsch) Truthuhn
Italian (Italiano) Tacchino Comune
Japanese (日本語) シチメンチョウ (Shichimenchou)
Norwegian (Norsk) Kalkun
Polish (Polski) Indyk
Russian (русский язык) дикая индейка
Spanish (Español) Pavo Salvaje
Swedish (Svenska) Kalkon
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