10 fun facts about turkeys - BC SPCA
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10 fun facts about turkeys

October 3, 2024

Found in the wild and on farms across Canada, turkeys have unique traits that make them truly special. Let’s talk turkey and discover some fascinating facts that may surprise you!

1. Turkeys are native to North America

The domestic turkeys we see on farms today are the same species as the wild turkeys native to North America. The domestic turkey has been selectively bred for optimal meat production.

A domestic turkey (left) and a wild turkey (right).

2. Turkeys have over 5000 feathers

The most common breed of turkey used on Canadian farms is the Broad-Breasted White, chosen for not only their fast growth and larger size, but also for their white feathers. The feathers of wild turkeys come in an array of different colours.

3. Turkeys have a snood

A snood is a fleshy, elongated piece of skin that hangs over a turkey’s beak and is longer in males. It serves many purposes – including attracting the attention of females during breeding season. The snood also helps regulate a turkey’s body temperature in hot weather.

4. Turkeys have beards

Most adult male turkeys (toms), and sometimes adult females (hens), have a bristle-like growth of feathers on their chest called a beard. Unlike typical feathers, these specialized feathers grow continuously and are not replaced. Beards may play a role in courtship.

A wild turkey walking through a grassy field.

5. Turkeys have colour-changing heads

The skin on a turkey’s head and neck can change colour – thought to be related to their emotional state. Changing from vibrant reds to blues, a turkey’s head colour is believed to attract mates during the breeding season in the wild, but also act as a communication signal to other turkeys.

6. Turkeys say more than just gobble

As a social species with excellent hearing, turkeys communicate through various vocal signals. Whether it’s an alarm call to warn others of danger or a soft purr to signal contentment and safety, the vocalizations of turkeys extend far beyond gobbling.

7. Wild turkeys reach high speeds and can fly

As a ground-dwelling prey species, it is important for wild turkeys to quickly escape at the first sign of danger. Wild turkeys can reach high running speeds and take short flights if needed. Wild turkeys fly into trees at night to roost where they are safer. Domesticated turkeys on farms have been selectively bred to be large to maximize meat production, so they do not have this ability. However, they can still benefit from safe, low perches that allow them to roost off the ground at night, fulfilling this natural behaviour.

A wild turkey flapping their wings as it runs through the forest.

8. Turkeys have remarkable eyesight

As a prey species, turkeys must be able to see their surroundings clearly. With eyes positioned on the sides of their heads, turkeys have a wide field of vision that allows them to see nearly 360 degrees without turning. Unlike humans, the eyes of turkeys work independently from one another. Turkeys can also see a broader spectrum of colours than humans – including ultraviolet light!

9. Turkeys are highly social animals

In the wild, turkeys live in flocks and rely on social interactions to thrive in their environment and avoid predation. Domestic turkeys also are highly social and need interactions with one another to maintain their well-being. Research has revealed that domestic turkeys housed individually, even for short periods, experience distress and vocalize until they are reunited with the flock.

10. Turkeys have unique personalities

Like other animals, turkeys are sentient beings who experience both positive and negative emotions. They also have individual personalities – some are more bold and daring than others. They are curious, attentive, intelligent animals that deserve our respect and protection.

A Red Bourbon turkey walking outdoors on a field.

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