WILD TURKEY Meaning and
Definition
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A wild turkey refers to a large North American game bird belonging to the Meleagris gallopavo species. It is primarily found in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The wild turkey is characterized by its distinctive appearance, which includes a robust body with a long neck and tail feathers. Adult males, known as toms or gobblers, are larger than females, called hens. They have a featherless red head that can change color with excitement, and a prominent, fleshy growth called a snood that hangs from the beak. Additionally, male turkeys have a fan-shaped tail with intricate plumage, whereas females possess a more modest appearance.
Wild turkeys are known for their adaptability and can thrive in numerous habitats, such as forests, fields, and scrublands. They are omnivorous, feeding on a diverse diet that consists of acorns, seeds, berries, insects, small reptiles, and amphibians. Displaying remarkable agility, wild turkeys are adept runners and powerful fliers, capable of reaching speeds up to 20-25 miles per hour. Their primary predators include larger mammals such as bobcats, coyotes, and foxes, as well as birds of prey like eagles and owls.
The wild turkey serves as a significant game bird, attracting hunters for sport and sustenance. Due to intensive conservation efforts, the population of these birds has significantly rebounded, ensuring their presence in various regions. Furthermore, wild turkeys have become an enduring symbol of American folklore and are closely associated with Thanksgiving, often served roasted as a centerpiece during the celebratory feast.
Common Misspellings for WILD TURKEY
- qild turkey
- aild turkey
- sild turkey
- eild turkey
- 3ild turkey
- 2ild turkey
- wuld turkey
- wjld turkey
- wkld turkey
- wold turkey
- w9ld turkey
- w8ld turkey
- wikd turkey
- wipd turkey
- wiod turkey
- wils turkey
- wilx turkey
- wilc turkey
- wilf turkey
- wilr turkey
Etymology of WILD TURKEY
The term "wild turkey" can be broken down into two parts: "wild" and "turkey".
The word "wild" comes from the Old English word "wilde", which means living in a natural state or not domesticated. It dates back to the 9th century and is related to the German word "wild", Old Norse word "villr", and the Dutch word "wild".
The word "turkey" is interesting because it has nothing to do with the country of Turkey. It originated from a confusion by early European explorers and traders. When they encountered turkeys in the Americas, they thought the birds were a type of guinea fowl, which was imported to Europe through the Turkish Ottoman Empire. Hence, they called these new birds "turkeys".
Eventually, the name "turkey" stuck, and even though they have no connection to Turkey, they have been called turkeys ever since.
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