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
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.
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.
QUIZ: What Do You Remember About the Cold War?
The Cold War (1947-1991) dominated the politics during most of our lives. So, looking back, how much do you remember about the war that brought us to the brink?
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
QUIZ: What Was Invented First?
This trivia quiz is all about inventions, from early machines, to inventions from a decade ago - can you tell which of the two came first?
Geography Quiz: Answer 13 Questions About Our World
This fun quiz is here to check up on your knowledge about our planet in 13 interesting questions that you either answer correctly or learn from!
GUIDE: 15 of the Smallest, Sweetest Dog Breeds
If you're interested in meeting some of the smallest and cutest dog breeds in the world, check out these 15 breeds.
These Colorful Birds are Among the Most Vibrant!
These birds are so bright and beautiful that it's actually hard to believe they're real. Take a look at these 19 kaleidoscopic bird species for yourself.
A Flower Timelapse That Will Brighten Up Your Day
In Bloom: A stunning video evolution of flowers opening
25 Cute and Curious Animals Just Discovering the Snow
25 adorable animals are experiencing the simple pleasures of playing outside in the snow for the very first time.
9 of the Most Fascinating Night-Singing Birds
Enter the fascinating world of birds that chirp mellifluously at night.
Here Are 12 of the Strangest Lakes on the Planet
We present to you 12 of the strangest lakes on our planet.
Black Sand & Blue Seas Make These Beaches Spectacular
As beautiful as the beaches may be, there is something alluring and mysteriously beautiful about black sand beaches. Take a look.
The Lotus Flower: Why This Beautiful Flower is Significant
The lotus flower is one of the world's most famous flowers, and it has many uses as well as deep cultural significance. Find out more about the lotus flower.
Useless Tusks and Dolphin-Lizards: Oddest Extinct Animals
Strange and unbelievable prehistoric animals. Get familiar with these magnificent ancient dinosaurs that used to roam the planet with their bizarre but fascinating looks.
Beautiful: How Your Dog Sees You Vs. How You See Yourself
Although we can feel down in the dumps about ourselves sometimes, our dogs will always keep their faith in us and see us as their heroes.
10 Perennials That Will Serve Your Garden for Years
Here, we look at some amazingly useful perennial vegetables that will serve as a long-term investment for every gardener.
Have You Seen a Predator as Tiny and Adorable as This?
The Fennec Fox is the world’s smallest fox. Want to know more about this cute animal? Watch this video.
Animal Leanring: How Cats Apologize to Humans
Many people think cats don't know how to apologize or feel regret. However, cats harbor a depth of emotions that might surprise you.
Slovakia is Nature’s Masterpiece! (12 Gorgeous Photos)
Photographer captures breathtaking nature photographs from Slovakia. Take a look at some of his best ones.
Animal Dreams: The Funny Ways Animals Sleep
In this humor-filled video, we're going to explore some animals with fascinating, silly and downright bizarre ways some animals go about the act of sleep.
You Will Be Amazed at the United Kingdom's Pure Natural Beauty
The British Isles are ancient lands, filled with history, and also places of sublime natural beauty. Come see these beautiful places close at hand, taken by talented photographers.
WATCH: Crows Are a Lot Smarter Than You Imagine
I never thought birds could be this intelligent...
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.
Marvel at 14 of the Tallest Mountains in the World
There are fourteen mountains in the world that stand over 8000 meters (26,250 feet) tall. Known collectively as the 8000ers, these skyscraping peaks are very literally the top of the world.
From Alabama to Wyoming: 50 States Blessed with Fall Colors
Before the winter months take over, let's enjoy the beauty of fall in 50 U.S. states.
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 Beautiful Animal Stories Will Touch Your Heart
Animals are an infinite source of inspiration for all of us, and these touching stories will give you renewed hope in life and maybe even make you shed a tear.
The Wonders of the Maasai Mara in 10 Award-Winning Photos
Prepare for the wildlife adventure of a lifetime!
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.
Roses Are Even More Beautiful After Reading These 10 Facts
The rose evokes sentiments of love, romance and relationships, but there are some things about them that I never even imagined. Read these impressive rose facts
Best of BBC: 7 Animal Videos You HAVE to Watch
Feast your eyes on 7 perfect animal moments, from the cute to the colorful, from the beautiful to the menacing - these BBC videos are gorgeous.
The Aardwolf May Not Sound Cute, But it CAN Be...
Ever heard of an aardwolf? If the answer to this question is no, then prepare yourself for one of the cutest animals you’re ever likely to see.
These 20 Animal Facts will Blow Your Mind
Did you know that squirrels plant trees or that oysters can change their gender? These little-known animal facts will blow your mind! I was especially impressed with no.6!
Remarkable Winners of the Insect Week Photography 2023
Check out the amazing winning shots from the Insect Week Photography Competition.
Gaze in Wonder at These 35 Amazing Photos of North America
North America has so much wonderful natural variety that it's easy to see why many believe it was blessed by God himself. Here are 35 amazing photos.
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.
Visiting the Tallest Moutain in NZ: Mount Cook Adventure!
Don't miss out on this opportunity to witness the splendor of this unique destination.
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!
These Siamese Fighting Fish Look Like Rainbows
If you thought you knew all about fish, this colorful Siamese Fighting Fish will make you think twice, and look admiringly. I'm in love with these beauties!
The Most Amazing Facts About the Powerful Tiger!
If lions are kings, then tigers are emperors. Get to know the largest of all big cats with some very fascinating facts.
Is There a More Beautiful Creature Than the Proud Peacock?
Some may argue that the peacock is the most beautiful bird in the world. The colors of the peacock is where nature truly shines...
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.
The First 3 Months of a Panda's Life is Amazing to Watch!
The first 100 days in a panda's life. They don't start out looking like pandas!
Graceful Margay: The Elusive Feline of the Rainforest
Meet the Margay, the most arboreal cat in the world.
15 Pictures Depicting the Rare Wonders of Nature
In this article, we display 15 unique photos of various natural phenomena - from rare eye colors to beautiful rock formations, and even albino plants.