Meleagris is a genus of birds in the Phasianidae family, commonly known as turkeys. It includes two extant species, Meleagris gallopavo, referred to as the domestic turkey or wild turkey, and Meleagris ocellata, also known as the ocellated turkey. These large, galliform birds are native to North and Central America.
The Meleagris genus is characterized by their distinct physical appearance. Turkeys possess a plump body covered in feathers, with males being larger than females. They have long, powerful legs ending in sharp claws, facilitating their ground-dwelling habits.
Turkeys are renowned for their distinctive traits. They have featherless, wattled heads adorned with a fleshy, elongated appendage called a snood. Another notable feature is the fleshy growth from the base of the beak, known as a caruncle. Male turkeys exhibit bright, colorful plumage, especially during courtship displays or "strutting," whereas females typically display more subdued feathers for camouflage.
Meleagris species are omnivorous, feeding on a variety of foods including insects, berries, seeds, and small mammals. They are terrestrial birds, but can take flight and roost in treetops when threatened. Turkeys are known for their loud, gobbling calls, often heard during the mating season or in response to disturbances.
In addition to their ecological significance, turkeys have cultural and symbolic importance. They are highly valued in many cultures as a food source during festive occasions, particularly Thanksgiving in the United States. The domestic turkey, as descendants of the wild turkey, has become one of the most extensively farmed poultry species worldwide.
