Domestic Turkeys
Meleagris gallopavo domesticus
Natural Habitat
Domesticated. Wild ancestors prefer hardwood forests with scattered clearings.
Where I'm Found
Domesticated bird. The Wild Turkey is native to North America, ranging from the hardwood forests of Canada and the United States down to the darker-feathered subspecies in Mexico.
What I Eat
Omnivorous foragers.
- Wild: Acorns, nuts, seeds, insects, and lizards.
- Zoo: Gamebird pellets, grains, and greens.
How Long I Live
- Wild: 3 – 5 years
- Captivity: 10 years
Fun Facts
- Snood: The fleshy appendage that hangs over their beak is called a snood; it can change color with the bird’s mood.
- Ben Franklin: Franklin criticized the Bald Eagle as a bird of “bad moral character” and praised the Turkey as a “bird of courage.”
- Vision: They have three times better vision than humans and can see in color.
Photos & Videos
Real photos and videos of Domestic Turkeys at 3 Palms Zoo — tap any photo to see it up close.
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