CHAPTER VI 



SOCIAL RELATIONS NESTING — THE YOUNG 



BIRDS 



THE wild turkey differs in its domestic 

 relations from the majority of birds, 

 for it does not take one partner or 

 companion, or pair off in the spring, as do most 

 gallinaceous birds. Charles Hallock has stated 

 that turkeys pair off in the spring. I beg to 

 differ with Mr. Hallock. The male turkey does 

 not confine himself to one mate. 



He is a veritable Mormon or Turk, polyga- 

 mous in the extreme, and desires above all 

 a well-filled harem. He cares not a bit for 

 the rearing or training of his family; in fact, it 

 has been alleged that he follows his mates to 

 their nests and destroys and eats the eggs. This 

 I do not believe, nor will I accuse him of such 

 conduct. He is a vain bird and craves admira- 

 tion, and acts as if he were a royal prince and a 



in 



