Turkeys

Turkeys are big birds that live in North America. There are wild turkeys and farm turkeys. Male turkeys have bright, colorful feathers. They can fan out their tails like peacocks. Turkeys are known for their loud gobble sound.

Wild Turkeys

Wild turkeys live in forests and fields. They can run fast and even fly short distances. They eat seeds, nuts, bugs, and small animals. At night, turkeys sleep high up in trees to stay safe. Wild turkeys are smart and have sharp eyes.

A speckled wild turkey egg from a collection.
A speckled wild turkey egg from a collection. (Roger Culos / Wikimedia Commons)

Talking Turkey

Male turkeys are called toms. They make a gobble sound to call mates. Female turkeys are called hens, and they cluck softly. Baby turkeys are called poults. Turkeys have about 30 different sounds they can make.

Fun Facts

  • A turkey's head can change color when it is excited.
  • Wild turkeys can fly up to 55 miles per hour.
  • The loose skin under a turkey's chin is called a wattle.

Did You Know?

Benjamin Franklin once said that the turkey would be a better national bird for the United States than the bald eagle.