Turkey – the portly poultry that’s synonymous with Thanksgiving. While you’ve probably heard the story that Ben Franklin wanted the turkey to be our national bird, you might be less familiar with Sarah Hale.
Sarah Hale was known as “the mother of Thanksgiving” because of her tireless efforts to make Thanksgiving an official holiday.
Ben Franklin and Sarah Hale were both fans of the turkey. Ben Franklin thought it would make a better national bird, since it was “a much more respectable bird” than the bald eagle. Sarah Hale knew that turkey was the Thanksgiving dish that brought the meal – and people – together.
But the turkey is more than a would-be national bird or Thanksgiving staple. Turkeys are actually pretty awesome avians.
So, let’s gobble up some turkey tidbits and learn why turkeys are so cool.
- Turkeys are native to Illinois – you can see them in almost any wooded area. Wild turkeys have also been spotted strutting their stuff on country roads in the DeKalb/Sycamore area!
- Turkeys are BIG birds – they can weigh up to 25 pounds!
- Turkeys can run at 20mph, swim, and fly at 55mph.
- Groups of wild turkeys are called a rafter, gaggle, or flock.
- Adult male turkeys are gobblers, and adult female turkeys are hens. Baby males are Jakes, and baby females are Jenny’s.
- Male turkeys make the “gobble gobble” sound when they’re looking for a mate. Female turkeys purr (like cats!) when they’re happy.
- Turkeys are omnivores – this means they eat plants and animals.
- You know that red “thing” on a turkey’s neck? It’s a wattle and it helps a turkey control their body temperature. The other red “thing” over a turkey’s beak is a snood. It helps male turkeys attract mates.
Turkeys also make great book characters, who get into zany adventures!
- How to Hide a Turkey by Sue Fliess
- The Very Stuffed Turkey by Katharine Kenah
- How to Catch a Turkey by Adam Wallace
- ‘Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving by Dav Pilkey
- Turkey Vs. Santa by Todd Tarpley
Come to DeKalb Public Library to check out some of these terrific turkey books! You can place a hold by clicking on the link or give us a call at 815-756-9568 ext. 3350!