Family Meleagrididae is a taxonomic family of bird species commonly known as turkeys. It consists of large, ground-dwelling birds that are native to North and Central America. This family belongs to the order Galliformes, which also includes other game birds such as pheasants, quails, and grouse.
Turkeys are characterized by their robust bodies, long necks, and a fan-shaped tail. They have relatively large wings and strong legs adapted for walking and running on the ground. Adult males, known as toms or gobblers, typically exhibit more elaborate plumage with vibrant colors and large, bare heads adorned with fleshy protuberances called caruncles. Females, referred to as hens, have more subdued plumage primarily in shades of brown and gray.
Turkeys are omnivorous, feeding on a diverse range of foods including seeds, fruits, insects, and small vertebrates. They are social birds, forming flocks outside of the breeding season. They are also known for their vocalizations, particularly the distinctive gobbling sound produced by males during courtship displays and to establish dominance.
The family Meleagrididae includes two extant species: the wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) and the ocellated turkey (Meleagris ocellata). The wild turkey is the most widely distributed and abundant species and is found throughout North America. The ocellated turkey, on the other hand, is restricted to the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico, Belize, and parts of Guatemala.
Turkeys have significant cultural and economic importance, as they are raised for meat and considered a popular game bird for hunting. Additionally, they hold symbolic value during festive occasions, such as Thanksgiving in the United
