Although wild turkeys are not a species of nuisance animal that we deal with here at Virginia Wildlife Pros, we thought it would be feathers of fun to shine light on some interesting facts about the beloved turkey. Continue below to learn some new things about this large, ground bird, and perhaps have a little more appreciation for your Thanksgiving meal tomorrow!
Wild Turkeys in Virginia
Wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) are a familiar sight in Virginia, where they live in the forests and fields. In fact, the state is home to the second-largest population of wild turkeys in the country. These large birds can be up to four feet long and weigh up to seventeen pounds. They are the largest bird in the United States. Turkeys are omnivorous, which means that they eat both plants and animals. They like to eat insects, such as grasshoppers and beetles, as well as seeds, nuts, berries, and other fruit. They also eat small animals, such as mice and snakes.
Top 10 Facts About Turkeys
1. There are around 45 million wild turkeys in the United States.
2. Turkeys can live up to 10 years in the wild.
3. They eat a variety of things, including insects, seeds, fruits, and nuts.
4. Male turkeys are called “gobblers” and have a distinctive gobbling sound.
5. Female turkeys are called “hens” and lay eggs that hatch into chicks.
6. Turkeys can run up to 25 miles per hour and fly up to 55 miles per hour.
7. The feathers on a turkey’s head can be used to make an effective fan for cooling off.
8. They are the largest bird in the U.S.A.!
9. The scientific name for a wild turkey is Meleagris gallopavo.
10. That jiggly thing on a turkey’s neck is called a wattle!
Facts About Thanksgiving Day Turkeys
Thanksgiving is a time to come together with friends and family, give thanks for all we have, and indulge in delicious food. This year let’s not forget the wild turkeys who play an important role in our ecosystem – and who provide us with one of the most traditional Thanksgiving dishes. We hope you take some time this holiday season to appreciate these beautiful creatures and consider how your choices might impact their future!
Here are some fun facts about Thanksgiving turkeys that you can share with your family and friends this holiday:
🦃 Every year, Americans consume 46 million turkeys on Thanksgiving Day.
🦃 Turkey consumption has risen 104% since 1970. Since 1970, U.S. turkey production has increased almost 110%.
🦃 The heaviest turkey ever recorded was 86 pounds.
🦃 The majority of turkeys eaten on Thanksgiving (around 88%) are roasted.
🦃 A small percentage of Americans (around 2%) choose to eat a vegetarian Thanksgiving meal.
🦃 The average American will consume between 2,500 and 4,500 calories on Thanksgiving Day, most of which will come from the turkey.
🦃 More than $1 billion worth of turkeys will be sold in the U.S. for Thanksgiving this year.
🦃 On average, a 15 pound turkey is made up of 70 percent white meat and 30 percent dark meat.
Are you dealing with nuisance animals on or around your Richmond VA home or business? Do not let them get a leg up this winter! Virginia Wildlife Pros can help you deal with nuisance animals this season! Contact us at 804-292-0156 to request wildlife control service in Richmond, today.
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