Ever Wonder if There’s More to TURKEYS Than You Thought?

Find Out More Here!

Why do turkeys gobble? Only male turkeys make the gobbling noise—they do this to attract females.  This noise can be heard a mile away.

The turkey, Meleagris gallopavo (try pronouncing that word!), is one of the most well-known birds in North America. Wild turkeys live in wooded areas and are among the largest birds found in this part of the world.  Their diet consists of acorns, seeds, small insects and wild berries. 

Wild turkeys can run fast, and many people are not aware that wild turkeys can fly! On land, they can reach 18 mph, and in the air, turkeys can fly over 55 mph for short distances.  They can glide for over a mile without flapping their wings!

Male turkeys are called toms or gobblers, female turkeys are called hens, and baby turkeys are called poults.  Although they have excellent hearing and can see well during the day, turkeys do not have great night vision. In addition to gobbling while looking for a mate, toms will puff up their tail feathers and strut around to attract hens.  The skin on top of the turkey’s head and on his throat changes color when he gets energized.  It can range from red to blue.