PHEASANTS, GROUSE, TURKEYS

Wild Turkey, Meleagris gallopavo

Family Phasianidae (Pheasants, Grouse, Turkeys)

Size: 36–48", male larger than female

Season: Year-round

Habitat: Open mixed woodlands

The Wild Turkey is a very large (though slimmer than the domestic variety), dark, ground-dwelling bird. The legs are thick and stout, and the heavily barred plumage is quite iridescent in strong light. The head and neck appear small for the body size and are covered with bluish, warty, crinkled bare skin that droops under the chin in a red wattle. Often foraging in flocks, they roam the ground for seeds, grubs, and insects and then roost at night in trees. Males emit the familiar gobble, while females are less vocal, making a soft clucking sound. In display, the male will hunch with its tail up and spread like a giant fan. Southwestern races, as in Texas, show white banding on the tail and uppertail coverts. The adult male is illustrated.