Turkeybird

Turkey, any species of Meleagris, is a genus of game-birds, made the type of a family, Meleagridae, or included in the Pheasant family. Turkeys are the largest of the game-birds, and have the head naked, with a caruncle on the bill, bright wattles on the neck, and a tuft of long hair on the breast; the tail feathers of the male can be erected. The general plumage is brown, with metallic gloss of blue and green. The Common Turkey (M. gallopaxo), a native of America, owes its name to a misconception. It was introduced into England in the 16th century, and its home was supposed to be Turkey, and the error has been perpetuated in its name. It is the largest of our domestic birds, and is highly valued for the table and for its eggs. The hens, however, often lay away from home, and the young birds are difficult to rear. The wild stock. ranges from the south of Canada to Florida and Texas, but its limits are rapidly being restricted. Southward, another species (M. mexicana) is found; and in Yucatan and the Honduras is a smaller form (M. ocellatus), with brilliant metallic plumage, and eye-like markings on the tail feathers.