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Global Animal Guide

Wild Turkey Facts You Should Know

Quick answer

Key facts about wild turkey — size, diet, habitat, and conservation in one place.

By the Global Animal Guide editorial team Last reviewed How we research & review

Remarkable recovery

Hunted to near extinction by 1900, reintroduction and forest recovery restored millions across every US state except Alaska.

Courtship display

Gobbling toms strut with fanned tails, wattles engorged, and wing tips dragging — hens choose dominant displayers.

Roosting behaviour

Turkeys fly into trees at dusk despite their size — roosts may hold dozens. Dawn fly-down to feeding areas follows predictable patterns.

Subspecies

Eastern, Rio Grande, Merriam's, and Osceola turkeys occupy different regions — plumage and habitat preferences vary.

Sources

FAQs

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