BIRDS: NONPASSERINES: PHEASANTS, GROUSE, AND TURKEYS

Wild Turkey, Meleagris gallopavo

Family Phasianidae (Pheasants, Grouse, and Turkeys)

Size: 36–48"; males larger than females

Season: Year-round

Habitat: Open mixed woodlands

The wild turkey is a very large, dark, ground-dwelling bird (but is slimmer than the domestic turkey). The head and neck appear small for the body size, and the legs are thick and stout. The heavily barred plumage is quite iridescent in strong light. The turkey’s head and neck are covered with bluish, warty, crinkled bare skin that droops under the chin in a red wattle. Often foraging in flocks, wild turkeys search the ground for seeds, grubs, and insects, 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 hunches with his tail up and spread like a giant fan. Southwestern races, which are seen in Colorado, show white banding on the tail. The adult male is illustrated.