Bird

My scientific name leads to confusion, “Meleagris” means Guineafowl and “gallopavo” means peafowl. But I’m not at all a mix of the two! Nor am I the turkey that you feast on at Christmas or Thanksgiving. I am a wild bird, not a farm animal.

I am well equipped to walk and run and I can reach speeds of 19km/h when I’m in a hurry. Contrary to popular belief, I can fly very well, but generally at low altitudes and over short distances. In any case I don’t fly much, preferring my feet to my wings. To best protect myself I spend my nights perched in the trees.

In the 17th century, we numbered in the millions on the continent. Excessive hunting and deforestation had led to my complete disappearance in Canada. I am starting to return as American Wild Turkeys have spread northward across the border.

It’s the male turkey that gobbles. He emits a powerful cry to attract females. It’s a cry that can be heard up to 1.5km away. The male also puts on a display, with tail fanned, and wings spread and dragging along the ground. The extra growth of skin that protrudes from the top of my beak will get longer and can reach down to my neck while i am courting females.