Turkey - Interesting Facts:
- Adult Turkey's, called toms, have tracks that are six to seven inches long; adult hen tracks are only four to five inches long.
- The Turkey has not external ears, but an excellent sense of hearing.
- Turkey's have a wide field of vision, can see in color, and have visual acuity-helping them stay clear of predators.
- The Turkey and the the bald eagle were both considered the national symbol of America, at one time.
- Turkey's can fly short distances at speeds up to 55 mph, and they can reach 25 mph on the ground.
- During the night, Turkey's can be seen in trees.
- Turkey's can have heart attacks and drop dead from the sound of jets passing, which break the sound barrier.
Why are Turkey prevalent in Missouri?
Missouri is also known for its healthy Turkey population. This may be true because the wooded areas provide a lot of natural food as well as shelter for these birds.
Turkey-When is the Best time to Observe these animals?
The best time to observe a Turkey is shortly before dusk when the shadows under trees start to darken. The Turkeys fly up to roost so that a fox can not sneak up on them, in the darkness. Although Turkeys are generally very quiet animals, they can be heard gobbling in the morning or just before dark. Spring is also a popular time to observe them, although they are seen year-round.
Turkey-Physical Characteristics
The male's plumage reveals a wide variety of colors, resembling the rainbow over much of his body. In addition, he has a long, fleshy, wrinkled, bright-colored piece of skin that hangs from the base of the chin, called a wattle. And the prominent bristles on his chest resemble a beard. On the other hand, the female Turkey is predominately brown to help her blend into the roost, where she spends time resting and sleeping.
