15 Fun Facts About Turkeys

As Thanksgiving approaches, turkeys often find themselves thrust into the spotlight as the main attraction on dinner tables across the nation. However, beyond their role as a centerpiece for festive feasts, these remarkable birds boast a fascinating array of characteristics that make them truly extraordinary.

Check out these 15 fun turkey facts that will not only entertain but also shed light on the unique and wonderful aspects of these feathered friends.

1. Diverse Species

Turkeys come in various species, with the two most common being the wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) and the domestic turkey. Each species has its own distinctive characteristics, from plumage color to habitat preferences. Wild turkeys, for example, are known for their impressive ability to adapt to different environments, ranging from forests to grasslands.

2. Social Butterflies

Turkeys are highly social creatures, forming flocks that can range from a few individuals to several dozen birds. These flocks serve as a protective network, with individuals watching out for each other and alerting the group to potential dangers.

3. Vocal Virtuosos

Turkeys are not shy when it comes to expressing themselves. They communicate using a variety of vocalizations, including the famous gobble. Male turkeys, called toms, use the gobble to attract females and establish their territory. Hens, on the other hand, produce a range of clucks and purrs to communicate with their chicks.

4. Turkeys Are Lifelong Learners

Turkeys are intelligent birds that showcase impressive problem-solving skills. They can learn from experience, remember locations of feeding sites, and even recognize specific individuals, both human and avian.

5. Incredible Speed

Despite their plump appearance, turkeys are surprisingly fast runners. Wild turkeys can reach speeds of up to 25 miles per hour on the ground and are adept at both short bursts of speed and sustained sprints, making them skilled escape artists from potential predators.

6. Maternal Dedication

Female turkeys are dedicated mothers. After laying a clutch of eggs, hens incubate them for about 28 days, fiercely protecting the nest from potential threats. Once the chicks hatch, the mother continues to care for and teach them survival skills, including what to eat and how to avoid predators.

7. Turkeys Can Fly

Contrary to popular belief, turkeys are not flightless birds. While domestic turkeys may not be strong fliers due to their breeding for meat production, wild turkeys are excellent flyers. They can cover long distances and roost in trees at night to avoid ground predators.

8. Turkey in American Culture

Turkeys hold a special place in American culture and history, having been introduced to Europeans by Native Americans. While the specific presence of turkeys at the first Thanksgiving is unclear, these birds have since become an integral part of the holiday’s imagery, symbolizing abundance and the spirit of gratitude in the diverse tapestry of American traditions. For a kinder Thanksgiving, might we suggestion this incredible mushroom Wellington or vegetarian stuffed acorn squash?

9. Global Explorers

Turkeys are not limited to North America; they have been introduced to other parts of the world as well. For example, European settlers brought turkeys back to Europe, where they became popular among aristocrats and eventually spread to various continents.

10. Turkey Time Travelers

Turkeys have been around for a long time, with fossil evidence suggesting their existence dates back over 10 million years. These resilient birds have survived changes in climate, predators, and human activities, showcasing their ability to adapt and thrive

11. Turkey Tales in Mythology

Turkeys have also found their way into mythology and folklore. In Native American cultures, turkeys are often associated with abundance and are considered sacred. They feature in stories that highlight their importance in providing sustenance to communities

12. Snood Sophistication

Male turkeys have a unique fleshy protuberance called a snood that hangs down over their beaks. While it might look peculiar, the snood serves a purpose. It’s an indicator of the turkey’s mood—when a tom is excited or trying to attract a mate, the snood becomes engorged and takes on a vibrant color.

13. Wattle Wonders

Alongside the snood, turkeys also sport fleshy lobes of skin called wattles. These adornments, found around the turkey’s neck and head, play a role in regulating the bird’s body temperature. The more prominent the wattles, the healthier and more robust the turkey is perceived to be.

14. Conservation Challenges

Wild turkeys face various challenges in their natural habitat, including habitat loss, hunting, and predation. Conservation efforts have been crucial in restoring turkey populations, highlighting the importance of preserving their habitats and addressing threats to their well-being.

15. Masters of Color Change

Turkeys are more than just brown and white; they’re also masters of color change. The skin on a turkey’s head and neck can shift in hues from red to blue, depending on the bird’s mood and excitement levels. This vivid display adds another layer to the turkey’s already impressive repertoire, showcasing their ability to express themselves in living color.

A Thanksgiving Turkey’s Life

Curious what a Thanksgiving turkey’s life looks like? We encourage you to watch the above video.

Artist Sooyeon Jang and I have teamed up yet again to produce another illustrated “Draw My Life” video showcasing the heartbreaking life of a turkey in today’s world.

We’ve already tackled dairy cows, pigs, chickens, dogs in the South Korean dog meat trade, and now we’re pulling the curtains back on turkeys bound for Thanksgiving dinner tables across America. 

If you’re anything like me, you turn away when you see graphic undercover footage showing what’s happening behind the closed doors of factory farms. That’s exactly why Soo and I started making these videos. We wanted to find a way for people to see what’s happening to animals without having to watch the traumatizing real-life footage. We were able to do that through illustrated stories told from the perspective of the animal. 

Start A New Thanksgiving Tradition

There is no need for this cruelty and violence. Stand for a kinder world by keeping turkeys off your plate this Thanksgiving. There are so many delicious plant-based alternatives that don’t cause this needless suffering. You can find vegan turkey, an endless supply of vegan Thanksgiving recipes, and beyond here at World of Vegan and across the internet. 

Take The Vegan Thanksgiving Pledge

With a little thoughtfulness and creativity, you can enjoy a new kinder, happier, healthier Thanksgiving meal. And I hope you do! Check out our vegan Thanksgiving guide to get started. 

This Thanksgiving, let’s shift our perspective on turkeys from mere dinner fare to fascinating creatures with unique qualities. By embracing a compassionate approach and understanding the richness of their lives, we can celebrate the beauty of turkeys beyond the dinner table. Gobble gobble, not just for the feast, but for the awe-inspiring creatures that turkeys truly are!

Many thanks to Harvest Home Sanctuary, Animal Place, and Mercy for Animals, Meaningful Paws, and all of our Patreon supporters for supporting this turkey Draw My Life video. And an extra special thanks to Eddie Plotts who has been supporting our World of Vegan videos through Patreon for years.