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Turkeys could have been our national bird
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A bird that is on our mind these days is the turkey. The type of turkey we most think about is one that has been cleaned and sold to provide a Thanksgiving meal, not the wild turkey of the countryside.
John James Audubon in his ornithological writings of the 1840's describes the wild turkey as "one of the most interesting birds indigenous to the United States of America".
Benjamin Franklin is credited with nominating the turkey as the national bird of the United States. At that time it was a common bird and was considered along with the bald eagle for this recognition.
Franklin later said, "For my own part I wish the bald eagle had not been chosen the representative of our country. The turkey is in comparison a more respectable bird and withal a true native of America".
Wild turkey populations had declined over the years due to habitat loss and diseases spread by domestic poultry. They have made a comeback because of reintroduction programs throughout the country.
Turkeys have beautiful metallic plumage marked with black, white and gray. Wild turkeys have chestnut-brown tail feathers compared to white in domestic ones. Some, females included, have a long hank of hair like feathers that protrude from their breasts. These are called beards. http://www.statesymbolsusa.org/Oklahoma/gamebird_wildturkey.html
They roost in trees, but feed on the ground. Wild turkey diets consists of seeds, nuts, fruits, plant leaves and insects.
Although turkeys can fly, they prefer to got about on foot. They fly when getting on their night roost or crossing rivers.
Audubon reported seeing young turkeys fall into the water while flying over a river. Rather than drowning, they spread out their tails, tucked in their wings, stretched their necks forward, struck out their legs and floated across the water.
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