What is the scientific name for a turkey? The turkey scientific name is Meleagris (Genus).
A turkey is not merely a bird seen at holiday feasts; it constitutes an intriguing biological species with ancestral ties to the continent of North America. This comprehensive guide conducts readers through the turkey’s scientific name, genus, pronunciation, biological classification, meaning, and several other fascinating tidbits, including its sounds, types of diet, habitat, and varieties.
What is Turkey Scientific Name?
Meleagris gallopavo is the scientific name of the wild turkey, and Meleagris ocellata is the scientific name of the ocellated turkey.
- Meleagris gallopavo Pronunciation: meh-lee-AH-gris gal-lo-PAH-vo
- Meleagris ocellata Pronunciation: meh-lee-AH-gris oh-suh-LAH-tuh
What Does the Turkey Biological Name Mean?
- Meleagris: It comes from Greek and means guinea fowl.
- Gallopavo: Now for the Latin, a blend of gallus (rooster) and pavo (peacock).
Meaning: “Guinea fowl-like rooster-peacock” about its appearance.
How to Pronounce the Scientific Name of Turkey
- Meleagris: mel-ee-AY-gris
- Gallopavo: gal-oh-PAY-vo
Tip: Say it slowly as “meh-lee-AH-gris gal-lo-PAH-vo” to practice clearly.
Biological Classification of Turkey Birds
Here is the complete classification of wild turkeys:
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Phasianidae |
| Genus | Meleagris |
| Species | gallopavo |
Turkeys: Habitats, Diet, and Sound
Where Do Turkeys Live?
Turkeys are to be found in the following habitats:
- North American woodlands and meadows
- Central American forests (in the case of the ocellated turkey)
- Commercial farms worldwide (in the case of the domestic turkey)
The turkeys prefer habitats that have woods (as roosting sites) and open spaces (for feeding).
What Do Turkeys Eat?
Turkeys are omnivores, and food items consist of any of the following:
- Large insects (for example, grasshoppers and beetles)
- Seeds and grains
- Berries and acorns
- Small reptiles (occasionally)
Foraging during the day, turkeys use their beaks to scratch the ground.
What Sound Does a Turkey Make?
- Gobble: Mature males call other males and females with loud gobbles
- Cluck: Soft, casual talking
- Purr: Expresses happiness and is often used to call another turkey or distract coyotes
- Yelp: Used by hens to call their poults or other turkeys
🗣Males gobble mainly during the spring to attract females.
Types of Turkeys (Species and Subspecies)
There are two main species of turkey’s bird.
- Wild/domestic turkey: Meleagris gallopavo
- Ocellated turkey: Meleagris ocellata
Wild Turkey Types
| Subspecies | Scientific Name | Region |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern Turkey | M. g. silvestris | Eastern U.S. |
| Osceola (Florida) | M. g. osceola | Florida |
| Rio Grande | M. g. intermedia | Central U.S. |
| Merriam’s | M. g. merriami | Western U.S. |
| Gould’s Turkey | M. g. mexicana | U.S./Mexico border |
| Domestic Turkey | M. g. domesticus | Farm-raised worldwide |
Turkey Size, Weight, and Appearance
| Feature | Male (Tom) | Female (Hen) |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 11–24 lbs | 5.5–12 lbs |
| Length | 39–49 inches | 30–37 inches |
| Wingspan | 4.5–5.5 ft | 3.5–4.5 ft |
| Tail | Fanned, showy | Smaller, duller |
Male turkeys also grow beards (long feather strips) and have patches on their legs.
