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.