Eastern wild turkeys are part of a group of birds that include pheasants, grouse and quail. Wild turkeys are the largest of the North American game birds with an adult male weighing 17 to 30 pounds. An adult hen will weigh from 8 to 12 pounds. A few hens have beards, but other characteristics will help to distinguish male from female. Wild Turkey Identification 1.
Wild turkeys differ from domestic turkeys in color and body form.
Wild turkeys tend to be slimmer and more streamlined in appearance. Also, the legs of wild birds are bright pink, while the legs of domestic birds are gray or black. Fortunately, wild and domestic birds seldom come in contact with each other, thereby reducing the opportunity for disease to spread. Potential for the transmission of disease is a major reason why releasing domestic birds into the wild is greatly discouraged and illegal. In the early spring, flocks formed during winter begin to break-up and courtship and mating begin.