Turkey

Phasianide meleagris

Animal Class: Birds

Length: 3.6 to 3.8 feet

Weight: 5.5 to 18.8 pounds

Life Span: 3-4 years

Diet: Insects, nuts, seeds, and berries

Habitat: Forest, shrubland, and grassy plains

Description: Only male turkeys display the ruffled feathers, fanlike tail, bare head, and bright beard commonly associated with these birds. They also gobble with a distinctive sound that can be heard a mile (a kilometer and a half) away. Females lay 4 to 17 eggs, and feed their chicks after they hatch—but only for a few days. Young turkeys quickly learn to fend for themselves as part of mother/child flocks that can include dozens of animals. Males take no role in the care of young turkeys.

Our Animals: Scotch and Brandy (red bourbon breed of turkey)