Birds · Galliformes · Phasianidae

Wild Turkey

Meleagris gallopavo

Least Concern

The species is abundant and widely distributed; it faces no significant short-term risk. See full glossary

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It is one of only two native North American birds ever domesticated, giving rise to the farmyard turkey.

Weight

up to 11 kg

Size

91 cm – 1.2 m

Lifespan

4 years

Diet

Omnivore

Combines animal and plant food depending on availability.

Activity

Diurnal

Active mainly during the day.

Social structure

Herd

Lives in large groups as a strategy against predators.

Sighting difficulty

Easy

Temperate forestOmnivore Diurnal In herds Bird Temperate forest

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Fun facts

It is one of only two native North American birds ever domesticated.
It can walk and feed itself within 24 hours of hatching.
Its annual mortality in the wild is around 50%.
locomociónIt can run at over 40 km/h in short bursts and flies perfectly well, contrary to the popular impression left by the farmyard bird bred for the table.

Life cycle & biology

Skeleton type: Vertebrate - pneumatised bony skeleton (bird)
Habitat & environment: Mixed broadleaf and coniferous woodland with open clearings across North America
Birth weight: ~47 grams at hatching
Size at birth: Precocial: able to walk and feed itself within 24 hours of hatching
Sexual maturity: Female: ~10 months (304 days) | Male: 1 year, though he rarely mates successfully until 2-3 years
Gestation / incubation: 25-31 days (usual reference 28 days)
Litter / clutch size: 8 to 15 eggs per clutch

Sources consulted: AnAge (genomics.senescence.info); USDA Forest Service FEIS; Dimensions.com; Animal Diversity Web; NHPBS NatureWorks; Washington Dept. of Fish & Wildlife