Open Nests in Woods, Thickets, Swampy Thickets 
The Heath Hen is almost extinct, being restricted to the 
island of Martha’s Vineyard, where they are ‘‘in imminent 
danger of total extinction.” 
310. Wild Turkey: Meleagris gallopavo Linn. 
Differing in some degree from the darker varieties of the 
domestic turkey, the smaller wattles and the dark buff or chest- 
nut tip to the tail coverts and tail are characteristic of the wild 
bird. The adult male is very much larger than the female, weigh- 
ing usually about 25 pounds, and sometimes as much as 40 
pounds, while the female weighs about 8 pounds. Length of 
adult ¢—48.00. 
Breeding Range—Canada to Florida; extinct in New England. 
The nest is built on the ground among briars and thick 
weedy places. 9 to 15 eggs are laid (some writers putting the 
number as high as 24). They are cream-coloured with fine brown- 
ish-red spots. Size—2.55 x 1.80. 
Unfortunately, the Wild Turkey is becoming so scarce that 
in a few years’ time it will be a rare bird. Laws made for its 
preservation were adopted too late, and in many places are utterly 
disregarded, which means that the birds will become restricted 
to inaccessible places, such as the large tracts of swampy wood- 
land. It has never been my good fortune to find a wild turkey’s 
nest, sol cannot give any original data in connection with their 
breeding habits. During the mating season each male fights for 
the possession of a drove of hens, varying in number from 4 to 
about 8 or even more; at other times the two sexes flock to- 
gether, though it is usual for the very old gobblers to remain 
solitary. Mr. Davis says that when the eggs are once touched 
the female will abandon her nest. 
810b. Florida Wild Turkey: M. g. osceola Scott. 
The Florida Wild Turkey varies but little from the more 
northern species, being somewhat smaller, darker in colour, and 
has irregular white markings on the wings in place of the wide 
white bars. 
Breeding Range—Southern Florida. 
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