The turkey is an integral part of Thanksgivings Day traditions, dating back to the early days of the Pilgrims. These birds remain the centerpiece and symbol of this festive occasion, but how much do we actually know about them? Turkey day is fast descending upon us, and this Thanksgiving you can surprise your family with these 20 interesting facts on these feathered fowls.
1. Wild Turkeys can fly up to 55 miles per hour, for short distances only though!
2. Domestic Turkeys can’t fly, their bodies are too heavy
3. But they’re still fast on the ground, running at a speed of up to 25 miles per hour
4. Turkeys also have better vision than human beings
5. These gobbling game birds have two stomachs
6. Turkeys are extremely intelligent and can learn and visualize precise details of any territory up to 1000 acres in size
7. The average turkey has anywhere between 5,000 to 6,000 feathers
8. Which is roughly the same number of turkey feathers used to create Big Bird’s costume on Sesame Street
(Official White House Photo by Amanda Lucidon, Wikimedia Commons)
9. Turkeys can recognize each other by voice because each turkey has its own unique voice
10. The long fleshy protrusion hanging from the beak is only found on males and is called a snood
11. The other fleshy part hanging from the neck of the birds (in males and females) is called a wattle
12. A Survey held in the recent past by the National Turkey Federation showed that approximately 88% of Americans eat turkey on Thanksgiving
13. Most people prefer Thanksgiving leftovers, leading to the first TV dinner being made from the same
14. Minnesota leads the country in turkey production, selling between 44-48 million turkeys a year
15. Most turkeys eaten on Thanksgiving are approximately 16-18 weeks old, which is when the bird reaches adulthood
16. Male Turkeys are extremely protective and aggressive, and will even attack their own reflection if they perceive it as a threat
17. Male turkeys are also the only ones that gobble, as the females have their own distinct clicking sound they make
18. Baby turkeys are called poults
19. According to ancient Mexican culture and Mayan, Aztec and Toltec Mythology, the turkey was referred to as “the jeweled birds”, or “the Great Xolotl”
20. June is officially National Turkey Lovers Month
This Dog Breed Was Considered a Healer in the Past
When people say "spirit animal," they must refer to the Xolo - the Mexican Hairless dog.
The Fascinating Origins of 11 Lovely Flower Names
There is no better time than spring to dive headfirst into the fascinating world of flower name etymologies! Here are the origins of the names of 11 lovely flowers.
Quiz: How Good is Your Brain? Let's Find Out...
This test has both memory and general knowledge questions - so be ready for anything!
TRIVIA: Can You Identify These Famous Historical Photos?
These photos have shaken the world during the 20th century - can you beat the Famous People Photo Quiz?
Everything You Didn't Know About Central Park
We're sharing all the nitty-gritty about Central Park's history, some facts you almost certainly didn't know, and some vintage iconic photos of the Park.
Quiz: Can You Answer These Trivia Questions about France?
A quiz about French history and culture
This Awesome Plant Can Live For More Than 300 Years!
The compass plant can live for over 300 years!
These Creatures Are So Scary You'll Be Happy They're Extinct
Once you read more about these extinct animals - you'll be happy you won't have to see them in real life.
Do Animals Talk? You’d be Shocked at What They Have to Say
Videos about animals learning to communicate with people
5 HUGE Waves You Wouldn't Believe if it Wasn't On Video
These huge waves are probably not the biggest to ever happen, but they're definitely the 5 biggest waves ever caught on video.
A Royal Beast: Celebrating the Beauty of the Horse
These stunning photos and beautiful quotes about horses made me remember how much I admire them.
These Are the Best Photos of Horses That You'll Ever See!
Iceland is a place that is full of beauty...even the horses are absolutely majestic. Take a look!
Our Planet is Full of Beauty! Take a Look at These Photos
Our planet is incredibly beautiful. Here are 15 stunning photos of planet Earth.
Photographer Captures the Ethereal Beauty of the Sea World
Check out some truly stunning photographs of the animals of the sea world by noted photographer Greg Lecoeur.
15 Mind-Blowing Facts About Our Feathered Friends
From your friendly neighborhood crow to some of the rarest bird species in the world, here are 15 fantastic facts about birds.
16 Majestic Bird Photos That Should Be Framed
The winners of the Bird Photographer of the Year 2022 were recently announced. Let’s check out the best winning images.
15 Wonderful Plants to Grow in Every Room in Your Home
We wouldn’t be surprised if you’re already growing plants in your home, but the question is, are you placing them correctly?
This Incredible Bird Can Make Any Sound it Likes!
This classic Attenborough scene is of the most amazing bird in the world. Just listen to the sound(s) it makes! Cover image by Vern / flickr
These Dogs Are The Perfect Companions For Older Adults!
Everyone loves companionship, and for dog-lovers there's nothing more painful that wanting a furry friend and not having one. Age is no factor for pet-having, and these 20 dogs prove it!
The Animal Kingdom Now Has the Photographer it Deserves
Sergey Polyushko could be one of the world's finest animal photographers in history. Just look at these 17 fantastic snaps.
Is Your Dog a Genius? Find Out Now with These 12 Signs!
Ever thought that your dog's a genius? Now You can check with these 12 signs of developed intelligence!
Prepare to Witness the Majesty of Mother Nature!
If you love nature even half as much as I do, then this stunning collection of photographs is bound to take your breath away, and leave you gasping for more!
A HUGE Bird Photography Article Collection!
Aren't birds gorgeous? Well, if you like photos of birds, you should try this enormous collection of 14 bird photography articles from BabaMail!
Mother's Day is Celebrated Among the Animals Too...
Remind yourself of your mother's love this Mother's Day by viewing these heartwarming photos of animal moms with their young.
Nature's Brilliant Blues Will Brighten Your Day
We live on the 'blue planet', underneath a blue sky, but instances of blue elsewhere is actually quite rare. Here are some of the most beautiful examples.
10 Marvelous Nature Spots That Are Too Beautiful For Words
Here are 10 spectacular natural sights our planet has to offer:
16 Stunning Gardens I'd Be Delighted to Stroll Through...
A stunning collection of 16 different landscape designs that will excite every nature lover out there.
16 Beautiful Breeds of Sheepdogs Found All Over the World
Sheepdogs aren't just farm dogs used for herding livestock, they also make incredibly sweet and caring pets, and efficient watchdogs.
Adorable: These Birds Woke up on the Wrong Side of the Bed
Ossi Saarinen's bird photos always make everyone go "awww." Check them out for yourself!
In Pictures: 2023 BirdLife Australia Photography Awards
Check out the majestic winners of the 2023 BirdLife Australia Photography Awards.
Unbelievable Natural Illusions That’ll Make Your Jaw Drop
Nature always has a few tricks up her sleeve and never stops surprising us with her fascinating creations. Here are 14 mind-bending examples...
You Won't Believe How a Walk in Nature Affects Our Brain
I was absolutely shocked to discover just how beneficial a walk in nature is for the brain. And upon reading #2 and #4, I couldn't wait to put my walking boots on and hit the park.
20 Ways to Turn that Blank Wall into a Vertical Garden
Gardening can be done anywhere and sometimes you just don't have land. That hasn't stopped these creative people from growing plants in all sorts of spaces.
These Landscape Photos Won Awards for a Good Reason
The winners of The International Landscape Photographer of the Year contest have been announced, and it’s the perfect excuse to gaze at their stunning pictures.
Fly Through the Most Royally Stunning Castles of Europe!
I love this wonderful drone footage of the great castles and palaces of old Europe so much I just had to share it with you. It's a true life fairytale.
I Can't Believe a Dull Fish Can Make Such Beautiful Art!
You've heard that birds exhibit magnificent courting rituals, but none of them compare to what the puffer fish gets up to. What an artist!
I Can't Stop Laughing at These Cows Who Think They're Dogs
A cow probably isn't the first thing that springs to mind when thinking of man's best friend, but here are 16 photos which prove that they actually are!
These Beautiful Bird Photos Are Beyond Incredible
The Bird Photographer of the Year Awards receives some of the most stunning examples of bird photography. Here are some of those.
The Most Beautiful Birds in the World Are in Costa Rica
The Jungles of Costa Rica are rich in beautiful animal life, none more beautiful than the many birds that call it home.
The Unchallenged Beauty of 14 Waterfalls Worldwide
Admire the beauty and power of 14 picturesque waterfalls from every corner of the planet
This Is How Mother Birds Care for Their Sweet Chicks
Motherhood is a wonderful thing. It binds not only humans together, but birds too. These photos are simply amazing.
How Do Animals Communicate with Each Other? Fascinating!
Discover how some animals communicate with one another... fascinating!
The Flowers & Blossoms of Fruit Trees Are Achingly Pretty
There are few things in this world that are quite as magical as a flowering or blossoming fruit tree. Take a look at 15 stunning images of fruit tree flowers.
Graceful Margay: The Elusive Feline of the Rainforest
Meet the Margay, the most arboreal cat in the world.
These Gardens Will Inspire You to Pay them a Visit
Take a walk through some of the most beautiful gardens from around the world.
15 Times Birds Built Nests in the Most UNUSUAL Places
Some birds build their nests in the most unusual places, such as a mop, a helmet, and even a bag.