Post by Flo on Nov 22, 2007 12:32:04 GMT -5
Wild Turkey Fast Facts • The wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) was first domesticated by Native Americans. Spanish explorers took the birds to Europe in the 16th century, and the birds' tame descendents were brought back to the Americas with later settlers.
• Male turkeys, called toms or gobblers, weigh 16 to 24 pounds (7 to 11 kilograms). Hens are about half that size.
• Turkeys can run some 10 to 20 miles (16 to 32 kilometers) an hour and fly in bursts at 55 miles (89 kilometers) an hour.
• Turkeys roost in trees at night.
• Turkeys forage for many different foods, so a single suitable area can support a large flock without becoming depleted.
• Male turkeys (and a few females) grow beards that are about 9 inches (23 centimeters) long. Their tails, which they fan to attract females, are more than a foot (30 centimeters) long.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
