Wild Turkey

Meleagris gallopavo

Year-round, but a lucky findRare

The take

A flock crossing a wooded backroad at the county edge — always a double-take.

How to ID it

  • Very large, plump, dark game bird with bronze-green iridescence and white-barred wings.
  • Small bare head on a long slim neck, with skin varying from red to blue to gray.
  • Travels in flocks scratching leaf litter for food; males fan the tail and strut while gobbling; roosts in trees at night.

Field marks at a glance

Size
huge
Head
bare red-and-blue skin
Call
gobbling (males, spring)

Where & when

Year-round, but a lucky find

Learn more

Sources