Status: | Species: | Common Name: | Last Update: |
---|---|---|---|
Offline | Meleagris gallopavo | Wild Turkey | ----- |
The family Meleagrididae, within the order Galliformes, comprises the turkeys, large ground-dwelling birds native primarily to North America. Members of this family are characterized by robust bodies, strong legs adapted for walking and scratching, and fan-shaped tails often displayed in courtship. Turkeys are omnivorous, feeding on seeds, insects, and small animals, and they typically nest on the ground. Social behavior is notable in this family, with males often forming display groups to attract females, exhibiting elaborate vocalizations and plumage displays. Ecologically, Meleagrididae species play important roles in seed dispersal and invertebrate population control, and they have been culturally and economically significant as game birds and domesticated poultry.