5 Fascinating Facts About Wild Turkeys

Here are 5 fascinating facts about wild turkeys.

Turkeys are very popular this time of year, but other than that they go great with stuffing and cranberry sauce, how much do you really know about the birds?

Here are 5 fascinating facts about the wild ones, as reported by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 

Number 5. Their droppings reveal a lot about them. Certain features provide indications of both gender and age. According to the government agency, “Male droppings are j-shaped; female droppings are spiral-shaped. The larger the diameter, the older the bird.” 

Number 4. Turkey plumage is rather lush. An adult bird can be covered in upwards of 6,000 feathers. 

Number 3. Their food preferences change over time. When young, the birds will eat as many insects as they can stuff into their little beaks. As turkeys mature, they begin to favor a diet consisting largely of plants. 

Number 2. The birds move like the wind. When running, the feathered animals are capable of clocking about 12 miles per hour. 

Number 1. Ben Franklin was one of their biggest fans. In fact, he suggested the turkey, not the American bald eagle, be made the nation’s symbol. He called them ‘birds of courage.’

Which wild turkey fact do you find most fascinating?