Created on Day 5

Design

The wings of the wild turkey are large and rounded, and even though the ratio of body weight to wing area is one of the highest in any birds, they are powerful enough for the turkey to reach speeds up to 55 mph (89 km/h). This design enables the turkey to escape danger when threatened by a predator. When disturbed, the turkey prefers to run rather than fly.

Features

• The turkey is known for its round body, fan-shaped tail, long neck, and large size.
• The male has a red wattle that hangs from the side of the head and a caruncle on its forehead.
• The male also has a red, blue, or white head, which is different from the gray-headed female.

Fun Facts

• A male turkey’s gobble can be heard up to a mile away.
• Even though the turkey spends most of its time on the ground, it roosts in trees with other members of its flock.
• Benjamin Franklin wanted the turkey to be the national bird of the U.S.

Created Kind Members

Ocellated turkey, peafowl