Wild

Turkey
Meseqnaew
By: Miranda Fink
College of Menominee Nation
Sacred Little Ones Initiative

Wild turkeys live in the

woods of North America.

The wild turkey is the

largest game bird in
North America.

Male turkeys are called

toms or gobblers.

Female turkeys are

called hens.

Young

adult turkeys are called

jakes. Baby turkeys are
called poults.

Males have
spurs and
beards.

Spurs are sharp, pointed

spikes that are used for
protection.

Wild turkeys are

covered with dark
feathers to help them
blend in with their forest
homes.

The color of the turkeys

head changes colors
when scared or excited.

Wild turkeys have

excellent eye sight.

Turkeys feed on seeds,

grass, berries and small
insects.

Turkey Terms
Caruncle - brightly colored growths on the throat region that
changes colors when excited or scared.
Gizzard - a part of a bird's stomach that contains tiny stones. It
helps them grind up food for digestion.
Hen - a female turkey.
Poult - a baby turkey, a chick.
Snood - the flap of skin that hangs over the turkey's beak which
changes colors when excired or scared.
Tom - a male turkey. Also known as a gobbler.
Wattle - the flap of skin under the turkey's chin which also turns
colors.

Fun Facts
Wild turkey can fly up to 55 miles per hour over short distances.
Turkeys can run at a speed of 25 miles per hour.
Turkeys sleep in trees, which is called roosting.
Only males gobble. Female turkeys cluck and click.
Hens lay 10-12 eggs, one egg per day, over a two week time
span.
Wild turkeys are native to North America and can only be found on
this continent.
Benjamin Franklin wanted the wild turkey to be the national bird,
not the Bald Eagle.
Adult males typically weigh between 16 and 24 pounds.
Adult females normally weigh between 8 and 10 pounds.

Author Biography