Turkeys are large, ground-dwelling birds in the family Meleagrididae, part of the order Galliformes. They are native to North and Central America and are best known for the wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo), the species from which domestic turkeys are derived. Wild turkeys are characterized by their robust bodies, fan-shaped tails, and males' distinctive iridescent plumage and fleshy head ornaments.
  • Family: Meleagrididae
  • Order: Galliformes
  • Native to: North and Central America
  • Key species: Wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo), Ocellated turkey (Meleagris ocellata)
  • Distinguishing features: Large size, fan-shaped tails, males have iridescent feathers and fleshy head ornaments
Turkeys belong to the order Galliformes.
Distinguishing features of turkeys include fan-shaped tails, iridescent male plumage, and fleshy head ornaments.
Wild turkeys are naturally found in North America.
The Meleagrididae family includes the wild turkey (*Meleagris gallopavo*) and the ocellated turkey (*Meleagris ocellata*).

Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo)

The scientific name of the wild turkey is *Meleagris gallopavo*.
Wild turkeys are native to North America, males are called toms, and they have iridescent plumage.
The wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) is a cornerstone species of North American forests and grasslands. It was first domesticated by indigenous peoples in Mexico, leading to the domestic turkey varieties we know today. Wild turkeys are omnivorous, with diets ranging from acorns and seeds to insects. Males (toms) are notable for their showy courtship displays, which include tail fanning and gobbling.
  • Scientific name: Meleagris gallopavo
  • Habitat: Deciduous forests, woodlands, grasslands
  • Diet: Omnivorous (seeds, nuts, insects, small vertebrates)
  • Behavior: Males perform elaborate mating displays
  • Cultural significance: Ancestor of domestic turkeys; important in Native American cultures and as a symbol in the U.S.
Wild turkeys prefer forests, woodlands, and grasslands.
Wild turkeys are omnivorous, eating both plant and animal matter.
Wild turkeys have been an important food source and a cultural symbol, especially in the U.S.
A close relative of the wild turkey is the ocellated turkey.
The Ocellated turkey is native to Central America and is known for its striking blue and orange plumage.
Ocellated turkeys are found in the Yucatán Peninsula.
Ocellated turkeys have more vibrant coloration and a more restricted geographical range than wild turkeys.
The scientific name of the Ocellated turkey is *Meleagris ocellata*.
Ocellated turkeys typically breed in the spring.
Ocellated turkeys prefer tropical forests and savannas.
Ocellated turkeys face threats from habitat loss and hunting.

Domestic Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo domesticus)

The domestic turkey is a subspecies (Meleagris gallopavo domesticus) bred from the wild turkey for agricultural purposes. Selective breeding has produced birds that are larger and less agile than their wild counterparts, with plumage colors ranging from white to various shades of brown. Domestic turkeys are mainly raised for meat, making them a significant poultry species worldwide.
  • Scientific name: Meleagris gallopavo domesticus
  • Origin: Descended from North American wild turkeys
  • Uses: Primarily meat production
  • Differences from wild turkeys: Larger size, reduced flight ability, varied plumage
Domestic turkeys are primarily used for meat production.
Domestic turkeys are larger and have less flight capability compared to wild turkeys.

Pheasants and Partridges (Phasianidae)

The family Phasianidae includes pheasants, partridges, quail, and relatives—diverse Galliformes known for their striking plumage and ground-dwelling habits. Pheasants are often brightly colored and showy, especially males, while partridges and quail tend to be more cryptic. Members of Phasianidae are important gamebirds and include widely introduced species.
  • Family: Phasianidae
  • Notable members: Pheasants, partridges, quail
  • Distribution: Worldwide (mainly Eurasia, Africa, North America)
  • Characteristics: Sexual dimorphism, strong legs, ground nesters
  • Economic role: Gamebirds, some species farmed for food
Pheasants and partridges belong to the family Phasianidae.
The family Phasianidae includes pheasants, partridges, and quail.
Most species in the family Phasianidae are native to Eurasia.

Common Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus)

The common pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) is a member of the Phasianidae family famous for its colorful males and adaptability. Native to Asia, it has been introduced worldwide as a popular gamebird. Males exhibit striking plumage with metallic greens, reds, and golds, while females are mottled brown for camouflage.
  • Scientific name: Phasianus colchicus
  • Native range: Asia
  • Introduced: North America, Europe, New Zealand
  • Male plumage: Brightly colored and iridescent
  • Female plumage: Cryptic, mottled brown
The scientific name of the common pheasant is Phasianus colchicus.
The common pheasant is native to Asia.
Common pheasants have been introduced to North America, Europe, and New Zealand.
Common pheasants prefer farmlands and woodlands.

Japanese Quail (Coturnix japonica)

Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) are small, prolific breeders within the Phasianidae family, valued both as gamebirds and for meat/egg production. They have distinctive spotted plumage and are native to East Asia. Quail are known for their rapid reproduction and adaptability to various environments.
  • Scientific name: Coturnix japonica
  • Native range: East Asia
  • Uses: Gamebird, egg and meat production
  • Plumage: Brown with black and white spots
  • Reproduction: High fertility, used in research and farming
The scientific name of the Japanese quail is Coturnix japonica.
Japanese quail are native to East Asia.
Japanese quail are used for meat, egg production, and as game birds.
Japanese quail have spotted brown plumage.

Gray Partridge (Perdix perdix)

The gray partridge (Perdix perdix), also known as the Hungarian partridge, is a hardy gamebird native to Europe and Asia. It belongs to the Phasianidae family and is valued for its role in agricultural pest control. Gray partridges are recognizable by their dusty gray bodies and distinctive chestnut markings.
  • Scientific name: Perdix perdix
  • Common names: Gray partridge, Hungarian partridge
  • Native range: Europe, parts of Asia
  • Habitat: Farmlands, grasslands
  • Role: Controls insect pests; popular gamebird
The gray partridge is also known as the Hungarian partridge.
The gray partridge is native to Europe and parts of Asia.
Gray partridges prefer agricultural fields and grasslands.
The gray partridge belongs to the family Phasianidae.
Gray partridges contribute to seed dispersal and control insect pests.
Turkeys (Meleagrididae) are distinctive, large Galliformes with significant ecological and cultural roles, especially in North America. Key examples are the wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo), its domestic descendants, and the colorful ocellated turkey (Meleagris ocellata). This family differs from pheasants and partridges (Phasianidae), which include species like the common pheasant, Japanese quail, and gray partridge.
  • Turkeys are in the family Meleagrididae and are native to the Americas.
  • The wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) is a major species, along with the ocellated turkey (Meleagris ocellata).
  • Domestic turkeys are derived from wild turkeys and are important poultry.
  • Pheasants, partridges, and quail belong to the family Phasianidae, not Meleagrididae.
  • Phasianidae includes diverse gamebirds with distinctive plumage and widespread distribution.
The Meleagrididae family includes wild turkeys and ocellated turkeys.
The domestic turkey is Meleagris gallopavo domesticus.
Turkeys are large, have fleshy head ornaments, and fan-shaped tails.
Wild turkeys are native to North America.