Where did turkeys come from?

The turkey is a large bird in the genus "Meleagris", which is native to the Americas. Turkeys are classed in the family of "Phasianidae" in the taxonomic order of "Galliformes". Males have a distinctive fleshy wattle or protuberance that hangs from the top of the beak (called a "snood"). They are among the largest birds in their ranges. As in many "Galliformes", the male is larger and much more colorful than the female.

They were first domesticated by the indigenous people of Mexico from at least 800 BC onwards. Turkeys were mainly bred for their beautifully colored plumage until about 1935, after which the breeding emphasis changed to their meat qualities.

Domestic or tame turkeys weigh twice what a wild turkey does and are raised on farms. Most domestic turkeys are so heavy they are unable to fly.

Wild turkeys live in woods in parts of North America and are the largest game birds found in this part of the world. They spend their days foraging for food like acorns, seeds, small insects and wild berries. They spend their nights in low branches of trees.