Notes
The Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) is native to North America and is the heaviest member of the Galliformes. (Galliformes are an order of birds containing turkeys, grouse, chickens, quails, and pheasants.) Wild turkeys were once abundant in the higher mountains of the Sonoran Desert region. They were nearly exterminated because of over hunting and the destruction of much of their habitat. Today they are making a comeback in certain areas, including the moist mountain forests of the Southwest. Wild turkeys nest and feed on the ground. Each spring they lay 10 to 15 eggs. The large number of chicks produced insures survival in spite of heavy predation by foxes, bobcats and hawks.
Categories: [Birds] [Canon 30D]
Tags: arizona desert_museum meleagris_gallopavo tucson turkey wild_turkey
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Comments
interesting shot, when did you take it?
barbara kneup on 9th March 2009 @ 9:49am
The same day we were out there and took photos of the bighorn and raccoon.
Ken Dobson on 9th March 2009 @ 9:52am
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