Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo)

 Photos by BarrytheBirder

The Wild Turkey, usually seen in flocks, is the largest game bird in North America.   It is slightly smaller and more slender than the domesticated bird.  Males have dark, iridescent bodies, red wattles, spurred legs and bare-skinned blue and red heads.   Females and immatures are smaller and duller than males.

They range across southern Canada and the central-eastern U.S.   It has been restocked in much of its former range and introduced in other areas.   They are often found in forest openings and field edges.    They forage mostly on the ground for seeds, nuts, acorns and insects.   They roost in trees at night.

They are, of course, the ancestor of the domesticated turkey   It was once hunted out of many regions, but has made a strong comeback  and has been been introduced into new places and ranges.

Its voice is loud gobbling, often heard at dawn.

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BarrytheBirder