European explorers took Wild Turkeys to Europe from Mexico in the early 1500s. They were so successfully domesticated in Europe that English colonists brought them back with them when they settled on the Atlantic Coast. The domestic form has retained the white tail tip of the original Mexican subspecies, and that character can be used to distinguish wandering barnyard birds from wild turkeys which have chestnut-brown tail tips. All About Birds: Wild Turkey
Date Submitted: March 21, 2009
Observer: Liz Dichiara
Observation Date: 3/21/09
Observation Time: 5:45 p.m.
Observation Location: Cheryl Drive
Plant or Animal? Animal
Common Name: Wild Turkeys
Scientific Name: Meleagris gallopavo
Photo: None
Comments: Two beautiful males and five females walked through my wooded backyard today. The males were displaying to the females, who did not appear impressed.
More Information: All About Birds: Wild Turkey