Turkey Bird
Facts About The Native American Turkey Bird
The turkey bird, much smaller and a bit smarter than the human turkey, is one of only two domesticated birds indigenes to the North American continent. There is the wild turkey bird, who was nearly eradicated from his natural habitats by the late 19th century due to heavy hunting, and his direct cousin, the domesticated turkey bird. The wild turkey was helped along to a huge comeback during the 40’s and 50’s, as wild life reservists and departments of natural resources released populations of these large birds in an attempt to save them from extinction. It most certainly worked, and though in some of his native habitats he is still quite elusive, the wild turkey bird is flourishing once again throughout the northeastern regions of the United States.
The domesticated turkey bird is genetically strained for the utmost in meat production per bird, and is most commonly found on poultry farms in large flocks. Most of them are white, but many farms have bred the natural, rich brown color of the wild turkey back into their poultry stock. The difference in eating the two side by side is quite apparent, as the wild turkey bird is gamey and lean, almost as if he were wild. Who would have imagined that? The domesticated turkey, on the contrary, lends a milder flavor and more tender, if not slightly dry, texture to the dinner plate. Hormones are often used during feeding of the latter, bringing controversy and a hint of hesitation to the dinner table as well. You can find those turkeys who have not been injected or fed chemicals and hormones, as this information must be on the label in accordance with government laws.
The wild turkey bird ranges in size from 12 pounds on the small side to a maximum of about 22 pounds at the heavy. The male, as with most species of birds, displays brilliant color at the back and tail feathers, which he fans during both the mating ritual and the protective stance. He can be seen puffing and displaying at passing cars from the side of the road, should be lucky enough to steal a glance. He takes on no child rearing duties, but will remain within 600 feet of a band of females and their young during the entire year. He must be within proximity for both safety in numbers and a head start on the mating game. Male turkey birds will use their powerful legs during a battle for mating rights, though few of these tussles result in life threatening injury to either bird. This is more or less a showing, born to impress and to woo the receptive female.