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.
Table of Contents
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.
10 Amusing Facts About Turkeys
- Turkeys can fly short distances at around 55 mph; during longer distances, turkeys may run for a mile or two at a speed of 20 mph.
- Turkeys have excellent vision; they can see nearly 270 degrees around them.
- Turkeys can see in color and ultraviolet light.
- Baby turkeys are known as poults.
- Male turkeys are called toms, while female turkeys are called hens.
- Turkeys roost at night in trees, safe from predators.
- Wild turkeys were nearly extinct by the early 1900s, while today, more than 7 million are found in the United States.
- Benjamin Franklin had a greater regard for turkeys than he had for the bald eagle.
- Males alone have spurs for defense.
- The weight and breeding of domestic turkeys prevent them from flying.
Final Thoughts
Thus, the scientific name for a turkey, Meleagris gallopavo, indicates a beautiful bird with unusual behavior, vocalizations, and biology. From its genus down to the gobble, the turkey is a fascinating creature worthy of study, appreciation, and preservation.
