Wild turkeys are large birds native to North America, known scientifically as Meleagris gallopavo. They are characterized by their fan-shaped tail, iridescent feathers, and distinctive wattles hanging from the beak. Wild turkeys are ground-dwelling birds typically found in forests, grasslands, and agricultural areas. They are omnivorous, feeding on a diet that includes seeds, nuts, fruits, insects, and small vertebrates.
Wild turkeys are notable for their unique mating rituals and social behaviors, often forming flocks outside of the breeding season. Males (toms) display with a characteristic puffing up of their feathers and an elaborate courtship dance to attract females (hens). Unlike domesticated turkeys, wild turkeys are agile fliers, capable of short bursts of flight, often seeking refuge in trees to escape predators. They are an important species in ecosystems and are also significant in many cultural traditions, particularly in North American Thanksgiving celebrations. Wild turkeys are recognized for their adaptability to various habitats and their populations have rebounded in many areas due to conservation efforts.
At Maine Audubon's Gilsland Farm in Falmouth, visitors are often greeted by a unique sight—wild turkeys roaming freely, thriving in a protected habitat. These plump, curious birds, resembling living relics…