Fun Facts About Turkeys You Probably Didn’t Know
Turkeys are a quintessential part of Thanksgiving celebrations, but there’s much more to these fascinating birds than being the centerpiece of a holiday meal. Whether you raise them on a farm, see them in the wild, or just enjoy learning about animals, here are some fun and surprising facts about turkeys that you probably didn’t know!
Turkeys Can Fly—Yes, Really!
Despite their reputation as flightless farm birds, wild turkeys are actually strong flyers. They can soar at speeds of up to 55 miles per hour for short distances, usually to escape predators. However, domesticated turkeys raised for food are too heavy to take to the skies.
They Can Change Colors (Sort Of)
A turkey’s head can change colors depending on its mood. The skin on their heads shifts between red, white, and blue, which is why they’re sometimes called the “patriotic bird.” This color change is a way for turkeys to communicate excitement or stress.
Benjamin Franklin Loved Turkeys
Benjamin Franklin famously preferred the turkey over the bald eagle as America’s national bird. He admired the turkey for being “a bird of courage” and thought it was a more respectable symbol for the young nation.
Turkeys Have Excellent Vision
Turkeys have incredible eyesight—three times better than humans in daylight. They can detect motion from long distances and have a field of vision of about 270 degrees, which makes them highly alert to predators.
Male Turkeys Are Called “Toms”
Male turkeys are known as “toms,” while females are called “hens.” Young turkeys are called “poults,” and a group of turkeys is referred to as a “rafter.” Next time you see a flock of turkeys, you’ll know the proper term!
Wild Turkeys Sleep in Trees
Even though turkeys spend most of their time on the ground, wild turkeys roost in trees at night to stay safe from predators. They fly up to their chosen perch just before sunset and come down at dawn.
Turkeys Have More Than 5,000 Feathers
A turkey’s plumage is impressive, with over 5,000 feathers covering its body. These feathers not only help with insulation and flight but also play a role in courtship displays when male turkeys puff up and fan their tails to attract a mate.
Turkeys Can Recognize Each Other
Turkeys are more social than you might think! They can recognize each other’s faces and voices, and they even form hierarchies within their groups. Their social dynamics are surprisingly complex.
Turkeys Were Domesticated Over 2,000 Years Ago
Turkeys were first domesticated by the Aztecs in Mexico around 800 BC. They were brought to Europe in the 16th century and eventually made their way back to North America with early settlers.
The Snood and Wattle Aren’t Just for Show
The snood (the fleshy part that hangs over a turkey’s beak) and the wattle (the flap of skin under its chin) serve practical purposes. They help regulate the turkey’s temperature and are also used to attract mates during courtship rituals.
Turkeys Can Be Surprisingly Fast
In addition to their impressive flying abilities, turkeys are also speedy runners. Wild turkeys can run up to 20 miles per hour on the ground, making them hard to catch!
Turkey Calls Are a Language of Their Own
Turkeys have a wide range of vocalizations, with over 20 different calls used to communicate. The most famous is the gobble, but they also purr, yelp, and cackle to express themselves.
They Have Built-In GPS
Turkeys have an incredible sense of direction and spatial memory. Wild turkeys can navigate through large areas of land and return to the same spots year after year.
Turkeys are truly remarkable creatures with unique behaviors and traits that often go unnoticed. Whether you see them as a symbol of the season, a fascinating animal in the wild, or part of your farm life, there’s no denying they’re worth a closer look. The next time you spot a turkey—or sit down for a Thanksgiving meal—you’ll have plenty of fun facts to share!