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Project Noah Nature School
Meleagris gallopavo
All photos of the adults are hens. There were no jakes around at time these were taken. Large, dark ground-dwelling bird. Long, powerful legs. Large,fan-shaped tail. Bare head and neck. Short, slightly downcurved bill. Tip of tail chestnut-brown (in East) or white (in Southwest).
Found in hardwood forests with scattered openings, swamps, mesquite grassland, ponderosa pine, and chaparral. Interesting fact: The male Wild Turkey provides no parental care. When the eggs hatch, the chicks follow the female. She feeds them for a few days, but they quickly learn to feed themselves. Several hens and their broods may join up into bands of more than 30 birds. Winter groups have been seen to exceed 200.
Normally a very skittish bird, which will run out of sight as quickly if it sees you. We have several which have been roaming my property eating the corn and seeds I put down for the birds and other wildlife. These photos were taken out of a (very dirty) double paned storm window. I didn't dare try to open the window or go outside as they would have disappeared on me.
Spotted on May 28, 2012
Submitted on Jun 6, 2012
2 Comments
Thank you Christy :)
So cute, Mary! Great series!