Wild Turkey

North America · game bird · ancestor of domestic turkeys

Heaviest game bird. Wild turkeys are the largest birds in their family and can weigh up to 30 pounds, making them super hefty fliers with strong leg muscles.

Amazing tail display. Male turkeys fan out their tail feathers into a giant semicircle and puff up their chests to show off for females, creating one of nature's most dramatic performances.

Famous gobbling sound. Male turkeys make that iconic gobbling call that echoes through the forest, which is how they communicate and attract mates.

Ancestor of dinner turkey. The domestic turkeys people eat came from a wild turkey subspecies that originally lived in southern Mexico, then was brought to Europe and back to North America.

Fast and athletic. Despite being heavy, wild turkeys can run up to 25 miles per hour and fly quickly through the forest to escape danger.