Exhibit in Chicago Natural History Museum 



Wild Turkey 



This is a real American, found in a wild state only in North America. "In the days 

 of the Pilgrims and Puritans the Thanksgiving turkey was easily obtained almost every- 

 where in the surrounding forest; the delicious meat of the wild turkey was an impor- 

 tant and an abundant food supply for both Indians and settlers; and the feathers of the 

 turkey held a prominent place in the red man's adornment."' Originally turkeys were 

 found north to Maine and Ontario, and were "formerly plentiful" in the Chicago 

 area. Though the turkey has disappeared from the northern part of its range as a wild 

 bird, it has been successfully domesticated and now the Christmas and Thanksgiving 

 turkeys come from a poultry farm. 



The wild turkey is a magnificent bird, with a superb bronzy plumage. The adult 

 male reaches a length of about four feet and a weight of forty pounds. In the habitat 

 group we show a characteristic flock of males and females in the hardwood forest of 

 the eastern United States in which the turkey makes its home. It feeds on a variety of 

 things, including nuts, fruits, seeds, leaves, and grasshoppers, which it picks up as it 

 walks about. It can run very rapidly and travels long distances on foot. This it or- 

 dinarily does to escape danger, but it is also a strong flier, and in flight looks like a huge 

 grouse. 



1 A. C. Bent, Lije Histories oj North American Gallinaceous Birds. 1932. 



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