Wild Turkey Meleagris gallopavo

Identification
This large bird has iridescent plumage and a fan shaped tail. Males display during spring.

Location
Common statewide

Size
8 to 20 pounds

Diet
It feeds on seeds insects and fruits.

Habitat
It occurs in forests and fields.

Activity Period
Year round

Behavior
It is social and forms flocks outside breeding season. It is active year round.

Lifecycle
Breeding occurs in spring.

Population
The population is stable statewide.

History
It was restored after near extirpation.

Human Interactions
It occasionally interacts with humans.

Facts
It can fly short distances despite its size.

Sources
ODNR academic sources

Seeds insects fruits | Forests fields edges | Statewide