Quick answer
Wild turkeys are large game birds that roost in trees and fan their tails during courtship, weighing up to 8 kg and living 10 years. Benjamin Franklin preferred the turkey over the eagle as a national symbol. They fly strongly in short bursts at 40 km/h.
Key takeaway
Wild turkeys are large game birds that roost in trees and fan their tails during courtship, weighing up to 8 kg and living 10 years. Benjamin Franklin preferred the turkey over the eagle as a national symbol. They fly strongly in short bursts at 40 km/h.
Wild Turkey overview
Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) is a bird listed here as Least Concern. Typical weight 3–8 kg (6.6–18 lb); toms larger than hens; lifespan around 3–10 years in the wild.
Wild Turkey ecology
Diet: Omnivore — acorns, seeds, insects, and berries. Habitat: Forests and fields of North America. Movement and social systems reflect those pressures across the native range.
Wild Turkeys and people
Learn before you travel or keep related pets. Wild wild turkeys are not toys; captive care needs species-specific husbandry.
Status and further reading
Conservation label in our guides: Least Concern. See the full Wild Turkey profile for taxonomy, FAQs, and related topic guides on this site.
Conservation and coexistence
Listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Habitat loss, hunting, and climate change threaten many populations. Responsible ecotourism and community conservation help in parts of their range. Never approach or feed wild wild turkeys.
Human interest and research
Wild Turkeys feature in folklore, tourism, and scientific study worldwide. Ongoing research tracks population trends, genetics, and responses to environmental change — data that guides national protection policies.
Sources
Wild Turkey FAQs
What are key facts about wild turkeys?
Wild turkeys are large game birds that roost in trees and fan their tails during courtship, weighing up to 8 kg and living 10 years. Benjamin Franklin preferred the turkey over the eagle as a national symbol. They fly strongly in short bursts at 40 km/h.
What is the scientific name of the wild turkey?
Meleagris gallopavo — used in research and conservation listings for wild turkeys.
What do wild turkeys eat?
Wild Turkeys eat acorns, seeds, insects, and berries, with seasonal and regional variation in Forests and fields of North America.
Where do wild turkeys live?
They are associated with Forests and fields of North America. Local presence depends on food, cover, and human land use.
What is the conservation status of wild turkeys?
Listed in our guides as Least Concern. Check the IUCN Red List and national assessments for the latest formal category.