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
Quiz: How Good is Your Brain? Let's Find Out...
This test has both memory and general knowledge questions - so be ready for anything!
10 Shocking Mysteries From Human History
10 incredible mysteries we know very little about.
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?
Quiz: Can You Answer These Trivia Questions about France?
A quiz about French history and culture
Wine Facts and Puns To Lift Your Spirits
How much do you know about wines? Kick start the weekend with some facts and puns about the drink of history
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.
The Truth About Nature’s Most Misunderstood Animals
Bats, hyenas, vultures, snakes, and more – today we will shed light on the world’s most misunderstood animals.
These Flowers are Some of the Most Expensive in the World
Flowers are never cheap, but as you're about to see, some are a lot more expensive than others.
These Amazing Nature Pics Will Leave You Speechless
Check out these unique and amazing nature photos from around the world.
Answered in Less Than 5 Minutes - How Sinkholes Form
Many sinkholes appear due to construction and mining works. So how do they form? Should you be concerned?
Close-Up Photographer of the Year 2022: 15 Winning Images
Check out some of the most stunning entries from the Close-Up Photographer of the Year Challenge.
22 of Nature Photography's Most Exquisite Moments!
The NG website has a daily photo of the day page, from which we've selected 22 incredible examples of nature's undeniable and breathtaking beauty. Undoubtedly, you also deserve to enjoy these amazing pictures from the last few months.
Iceland May Be Cold, But its Beauty Is Other-Worldy
Winter makes much of the world beautiful, but no where is a match for Iceland!
15 Bizarre Animals You Just Don't See Every Day...
There are so many odd species of animals roaming the corners of the Earth. 15 bizarre looking animals I never knew existed on the planet!
Nature is Amazing in So Many Ways – 20 Beautiful Pics
The wonders of nature never cease to amaze us. Check out some glorious nature pics here.
These Horses All Have the Most Amazing Hair!
These horse breeds all have an amazing hair! Enjoy getting to know some of the world's most beautiful horse breeds, along with some facts.
Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Dogs!
How much do you know about our furry friends?
This Post Will Clear Up Any Misconceptions About Dogs
There are numerous misconceptions concerning the best ways that we should interact with dogs. This post will definitely clear everything up.
Click to Transform Caterpillars Into Moths and Butterflies!
Both butterflies and moths have four stages of life, they go from the initial egg to a caterpillar, then to a cocoon and finally to a butterfly or moth. Watch these 18 interactive photos Before and After caterpillars transform.
How Well Do You Know Canada's 9 Wildest Animals?
Canada is home to some fascinating animals. Some are cuddly, some of dangerous, but all hold pride of place in the natural wonderland of Canada.
4 Simple Steps to Befriending Your Local Crow
Discover the secrets of befriending a wild crow with just four simple steps in this captivating video.
Hilarious! Someone's Gonna Get Fired for This...
I've never seen so many pictures that seem too perfect to be real as here!
This is One of the Most Fascinating Natural Phenomenon
Get ready to meet a whole lot of grunion fish, who are most famous for their spectacular land mating ritual.
Inspired Gardening: The Most Beautiful Garden Quotes
Gardening is more than just a hobby - it's a quality that teaches us and inspires. Here are 12 heartwarming quotes that will inspire your gardening.
Experience Pinnacles National Park in Crisp 4K Resolution
Check out this incredible time lapse video of California's Pinnacles National Park, which was filmed in crisp 4K resolution.
There are So Many Reasons for Us to Love Penguins
Penguins are as beautiful as they are fascinating. Here is all you need to know about these wonderful birds...
Best of Animal Photography: 17 Stunning Images
Check out the most amazing shots of animals caught on camera from “The Decisive Moments Magazine”.
WATCH: Crows Are a Lot Smarter Than You Imagine
I never thought birds could be this intelligent...
Here's What Happens When Animals Befriend People...
Here are 20 cute pictures of woodland animals that simply love to befriend people!
15 of Bhutan's Most Riveting Animals Revealed!
From the clouded leopard to the Himalayan monal, discover the wonders of Bhutan's wildlife kingdom with us.
These Gardens Will Inspire You to Pay them a Visit
Take a walk through some of the most beautiful gardens from around the world.
Seeing These Pretty Flowers Will Put a Smile on Your Face
These flowers as so pretty it hurts. Just viewing them will put a smile on your face and brighten up the rest of your day.
A Dolphin Asks a Human for Help!
We have seen animal rescue, but rarely have we seen the animal search for humans to save it!
Jaw-Dropping Photos: The Wonderful Lives of Ladybugs
Here are some wonderful photos of ladybugs in their natural habitats. I always feel a childish wonder and thrill when can coax one onto my hand.
I Never Thought Such Animals Existed. Wow.
Nature can be beautiful, but it can also be rather strange, especially when you see THESE animals. Most of them are endangered animals, living only in the smallest and most remote places on earth.
Marvel at the Stunning Winners of Ocean Art Awards!
Marvel at the spectacular winning images from the 2023 Ocean Art Underwater Photo Contest.
11 Incredible Animals with Even More Incredible Abilities!
Forget imaginary superheros and science fiction! These real animals have their own super powers and abilities such as camouflage, immortality and more!
14 Incredible Sights from the Mighty Andes
We have curated a stunning collection of photos that showcase one of the most remote and awe-inspiring places on Earth.
If You Want to See Some Breathtaking Beauty, Come In Here...
Check out the astonishing winning panoramic images from the 2023 EPSON International Pano Awards.
10 Vegetables and Plants You Can Grow in the Fall
Just because we're approaching fall it doesn't mean you should hang up your gardening gloves. There's still plenty of things you can plant in your garden.
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.
Far, Far Away, There's a Land Where Pandas Roam Free...
Giant pandas are highly endangered, however there's a beautiful sanctuary in China devoted to ensuring that population numbers are boosted. See the photos.
9 Fragrant Roses to Fill Your Garden with Pleasing Aromas
Check out this list of some intensely aromatic roses that will flood your garden area with delightful smells.
These Rapid Blooming Flowers Will Brighten Your Day
This video of flowers blooming will brighten your day. So, go ahead, treat yourself to a few minutes of beauty and relaxation.
Nature After Dark: Exploring 8 Nocturnal Animals
Let us take you up close and personal with some of the most unusual nocturnal animals of our world.
7 Fascinating Natural Phenomena Science Can’t Explain
From the Great Blue Hole in Belize to the Sailing Stones in CA, this video will introduce you to 7 natural phenomena science isn't fully able to explain.
These Serpents are Stunning, but Have a Deadly Bite...
In all the fear, there is always beauty, especially for these 20 species of venomous snakes, that add both venom and color to the world.