Wild Turkeys

Wild turkeys are striking birds native to North America, known for their impressive size, colorful plumage, and distinctive gobbling calls. These large, ground-dwelling birds are members of the genus Meleagris and are closely related to domestic turkeys.

Their plumage is predominantly dark, with iridescent bronze, green, and coppery hues, particularly evident in males, called toms or gobblers, who also boast striking tail feathers fanned out in a display during courtship. Females, called hens, have more subdued coloring and lack the elaborate tail feathers.

Wild turkeys are highly adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and even suburban areas. They are omnivorous, feeding on a diet consisting primarily of seeds, nuts, fruits, insects, and small vertebrates.

These birds play a significant ecological role as seed dispersers and help control insect populations. Despite facing declines in the past due to habitat loss and overhunting, conservation efforts have led to successful population recoveries in many areas.

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