Turkeys Scientific Name History Reveals A Funny Naming Mistake

Turkeys are large, heavyset galliforms in the genus Meleagris, indigenous to the Americas. They are among the largest birds in their native ranges, as well as being one of the heaviest birds in the order. May 22, 2018 · Wild Turkeys live in mature forests, particularly nut trees such as oak, hickory, or beech, interspersed with edges and fields. You may also see them along roads and in woodsy backyards.. Turkeys were formerly considered to belong to a separate family from other chicken-like birds; there are only two species, ours in North America and the Ocellated Turkey in Central America. These intelligent birds form complex social groups and spend their days foraging, using their beaks to search for insects, acorns, grains and other delicacies. Turkeys enjoy tight-knit families—not only do. Domestic turkeys, bred for meat production, are derived from the Mexican subspecies of the wild turkey and have undergone significant genetic changes through selective breeding.