Truthähne

Truthähne, known scientifically as Meleagris gallopavo, are large birds in the genus Meleagris. They are native to the Americas, with wild turkey populations found across North America and domesticated varieties present worldwide. These birds are easily recognizable by their distinctive fleshy wattle hanging from the neck and the snood extending from the forehead. Both males and females possess wattles and snoods, though they are typically more pronounced in males.

Wild turkeys are omnivores, feeding on a diet of seeds, insects, berries, and small vertebrates. They are ground-dwelling birds, roosting in trees at night for safety. Males, known as toms or gobblers, are famous for their elaborate courtship displays, which include fanning their tail feathers, puffing out their chest, and producing a characteristic gobbling sound. Females, called hens, are generally smaller and less colorful.

Domestication of the turkey began in Mesoamerica thousands of years ago. Today, domestic turkeys are bred for their meat and eggs and come in various breeds, differing in size, color, and growth rate. Despite their widespread presence in agriculture, wild turkey populations have also recovered significantly in many areas due to conservation efforts. Their ecological role includes seed dispersal and providing prey for predators.