| Turkey |
 all photos by D. D. Bulmer |
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Turkeys originated in North and Central America, and evidence indicates that they have been around for over 10 million years. Turkey eggs are pale creamy tan with brown speckles, and twice as large as chicken eggs. They hatch in 28 days. A baby turkey is called a poult and is tan and brown. Domesticated turkeys (farm raised) cannot fly. Wild turkeys can fly for short distances at up to 55 miles per hour. Wild turkeys are also fast on the ground, running at speeds of up to 25 miles per hour. A large group of turkeys is called a flock. Wild turkeys are on the ground during the day and roost in the trees at night. Turkey males are the "toms" or the "gobblers" Females are the "hens". Babies are the "poults". Poults eat berries seeds and insects. Adults eat acorns insects and small reptiles. Turkeys can hear very well, They see well during the daytime but not at night. Hen turkeys make a hidden shallow nest that are scatched and dug out on the ground where it is thick with plants. The Tom or gobbler turkeys are those who fan the display of feathers to show off and loud gobble calls to find a mate. In 1900's there were only 30,000 wild turkeys in North America. Now estimated there are nearly 7,000,000 wild turkeys. State and nationa wildlife groups have worked to protect the bird and its habitat. Ben Franklin admired the turkey so much that he thought it should be United States of America's national symbol instead of the bald eagle. |
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