The two known species of turkeys are the common turkey and the ocellated turkey. Turkeys can be found in the wild, but they are widely raised for food.

Where turkeys live

The common turkey lives in the forests and swamps of Mexico and parts of southern United States. The ocellated turkey is found in Belize, Guatemala, and the Yucatan Peninsula.

Physical characteristics

The male turkey, also called a gobbler or tom, may grow to 50 inches (130 centimeters) in length and weigh about 22 pounds (10 kilograms). Female turkeys, or hens, generally weigh only half as much. Turkeys raised only for food may be much heavier.

Almost all turkeys have black and bronze feathers. Some turkeys have white feathers. The head and neck of the turkey are bare and bumpy, and bright red or pink in color. The long piece of flesh that grows from its forehead and hangs over its bill is called a snood. The fold of flesh that grows from its throat is called a wattle. The long tuft of hair on its breast is called a beard.

Behavior

The wild turkey generally eats seeds and insects. Occasionally, turkeys may eat frogs or lizards as well.

When a turkey is excited or angry, it raises its tail, spreads it out like a fan, lowers its wings, and struts up and down, blowing out its throat. Its head changes color from red to white. Turkeys often make a gobbling sound. When upset, a turkey often runs quickly for cover. Turkeys can also fly strongly, though only for short distances of about ¹/₄ mile (0.4 kilometer).

Reproduction

Each hen lays 8 to 15 brown spotted eggs in a hollow nest in the ground. The young, called poults, hatch in 28 days. The hens hide their nests from the male turkey bird because the male turkey may eat the eggs or even the young.