Eastern Wild Turkey

Eastern wild turkeys  are an upland ground bird native to North America, the heaviest member of gamefowl or gamebirds.  

Identification

General Description
Heavy ground eating bird reddish-yellow to grayish-green legs with blackish and dark, sometimes grey brown body feathers
Length
39 to 49 inches in length
Weight
11 to 24 pounds
Color
reddish-yellow to grayish-green legs with blackish and dark, sometimes grey brown body feathers
Sounds
Eastern wild turkeys gobble, cluck, purr, yelp, whine, along with many other calls

Reproduction

Eastern wild turkeys breed from March to June with hens nesting between mid-April and mid-June. Hens lay one egg per day, for an average of 10 eggs. Eggs are incubated for 28 days.

Food

Eastern wild turkeys eat green foliage, insects, seeds from grasses, acorns, and nuts.

Habitat

Eastern wild turkeys require a variety of forested and open grasslands. Open grasslands are necessary for courtship in addition to providing the necessary seeds and insects. Forested areas provide soft cover. 

Fun Facts

Eastern wild turkeys have bald heads that can change color (red, pink, white, or blue) in seconds with excitement and emotion.