How
Well Do You Know Your Wild Turkey?
Imagine going on a turkey hunt only to find there are no wild turkeys!
It sounds far fetched, but in the early 1930s this awesome game bird was
almost extinct. But today, thanks to hunters and wildlife conservation
programs, the wild turkey is back and thriving across North America.
| Here are a few interesting facts
about this fascinating bird: |
| • |
There are five subspecies: Eastern,
Osceola (Florida), Rio Grande, Merriam's and Gould's. |
| • |
Between 5,000 and 6,000 feathers cover the body
of an adult turkey. |
| • |
Males differ from females and have two distinct
characteristics: spurs and beards. |
| • |
Wild turkeys have excellent vision during the
day, but don't see as well at night. |
| • |
Turkeys can run at speeds up to 25 mph, and they
can fly up to 55 mph. |
| • |
Hens will lay a clutch of 10 to 12 eggs during
a two-week period, usually laying one egg per day. |
| • |
Hens will incubate her eggs for about 28 days,
occasionally turning and rearranging them, until they are ready to
hatch. |
| • |
A newly hatched brood must be ready to leave
the nest within 12 to 24 hours to feed. |
| • |
A young turkey is called a poult. |
Think you know your wild turkey?
Take the Wild Turkey
Quiz.
| 
