See all posts in the Birds of Carver County series
Wild Turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) are large, ground-dwelling birds native to Minnesota and most of North America. They are seen and heard in many environments and can become used to being around people and in their yards.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources describes problems turkeys can cause but having them nearby results in many of us admiring their looks, especially when the males display their tail feathers.
In harvested crop fields, we notice dark blobs that become flocks of turkeys poking the soil for leftover seeds. They also come close to our houses looking for acorns, berries and insects.
At night, turkeys avoid predators by turning into dark blobs roosting in trees. Hearing turkey fly their 20+ pounds into the trees is a unique reminder of these neighbors. When the males gobble, their distinct sound can be heard up to a mile away.
Originally found in Mexico, turkeys were brought by the Spanish to Europe to become domesticated for food. They made their way back across the Atlantic ocean and in the last century Minnesota is often ranked #1 in turkey production in the USA – about 40 million per year.
Besides the drumstick and wishbone that become familiar this time of year, there are distinct words describing body parts of turkeys that you won’t find at the market.
The “caruncle” on a turkey is the red-pink fleshy growth on the head and upper neck. The “snood” is a long, red, fleshy growth from the base of the beak that hangs down over the beard. The “wattle” is the bright red appendage at the neck. The “beard” is a black lock of hair found on the chest of a male turkey.
Wild turkeys used to be endangered, and older bird guidebooks showed their range far south of here. Reintroduction and conservation efforts have restored them in Minnesota. They are now a symbol of wildlife recovery and play an important ecological role by dispersing seeds and controlling insect populations, contributing to the health of their habitats.
More information about Wild Turkeys:
- Turkeys | Minnesota DNR
- “Jim Gilbert’s Nature Notes”
- Turkey Facts | Minnesota Turkey Growers Association
