Large ground-dwelling bird native to North America, characterized by distinctive feather patterns and social behavior
Image Gallery
ADSENSE SLOT
Ecology & Habitat
Habitat
Diverse environments including forests, woodlands, grasslands, and agricultural areas across North America, ranging from southern Canada to central Mexico
Ecological Role
Key species in forest ecosystems, controlling insect populations and serving as prey for predators, contributing to seed dispersal and forest regeneration
Morphology
SKIN COATDense plumage with iridescent bronze-green feathers; males have more elaborate feather displays
LIMBS WINGSStrong legs adapted for ground foraging, relatively short wings enabling short bursts of flight
HEAD SENSORYDistinctive fleshy wattle, snood, and caruncles; excellent color vision and acute hearing
BODY STRUCTURELarge, robust bird with adult males weighing 5-11 kg, females 2.5-5 kg; body length 90-120 cm, wingspan 1.2-1.4 m
