Did Ben Franklin really argue for turkeys to be the national symbol of the United States? Why do we call the leg a “drumstick”? We’ve got answers to your burning turkey questions.
Every year at Thanksgiving, families and friends gather to share personal stories and perhaps reflect on the early history of the United States. But aside from deciding whether to ask for seconds, not much is said about the guest of honor at the holiday table: the turkey.
That’s a shame, since that big, tasty bird has left a significant mark on history, science, language, and culture. So maybe on this Thanksgiving, take a moment to appreciate the turkey’s story with these remarkable facts and anecdotes gathered from across the centuries.
As Thanksgiving approaches, turkeys take center stage. But beyond being the main course, these large birds have some surprising abilities – including being able to swim! While not often associated with water, turkeys are actually quite capable in the pool. Let’s dive in and explore the turkey’s aquatic skills.
An Overview of Turkeys and Swimming
Many are startled to learn that turkeys can swim at all. But wild turkeys are well adapted for brief swims. They tuck their wings in fan their tail feathers for propulsion and paddle efficiently with their feet. Though no marathon swimmers, wild turkeys regularly cross ponds and rivers this way. Even domestic turkeys retain decent buoyancy and swimming skills from their wild ancestry.
So why does a land bird swim? For wild turkeys, water access allows escaping predators, reaching food, migrating, and sheltering young. Occasional swimming is part of their natural behavioral repertoire. For domestic turkeys, swimming provides enrichment and exercise. And those giant Thanksgiving birds? With their plump breasts, they probably wouldn’t win races – but could still capably float and paddle if given the chance.
Breaking Down the Turkey’s Aquatic Skill Set
Let’s look at the details of how turkeys manage to swim:
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Streamlined shape – The turkey’s rotund body may not look hydrodynamic, but when swimming they elongate their silhouette by stretching their neck forward and compressing their feathers.
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Paddling feet – A turkey’s feet have strong scales and claws well-suited for pushing against the water like oars Their large feet generate significant thrust.
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Tail fan – Spreading the tail feathers creates a propulsive fan that provides forward drive through the water.
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Tucked wings – Wild turkeys fold their wings in tightly rather than flapping while swimming. This reduces drag and turbulence.
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Buoyant feathers – The turkey’s feathers have excellent water resistance, trapping air to keep the bird afloat. Even domestic breeds float well.
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Powerful legs – Strong leg muscles built for running on land also enable effective swimming kicks.
So with paddling feet, a fanned tail, streamlined silhouette, buoyant feathers and strong legs, the turkey is well equipped for aquatic mobility.
The Swimming Ability of Wild vs. Domestic Turkeys
Wild turkeys and domesticated farm turkeys have some small differences when it comes to swimming. Wild turkeys are lean, athletic birds that frequently encounter water in nature. They are very adept swimmers. Farm-raised broad-breasted turkeys are heavier and less active, making swimming a bit more laborious.
But even commercial turkeys retain moderate swimming skills. With their ancestral buoyancy, they can paddle and float competently if given the opportunity. However, wild turkeys that swim regularly have markedly better aquatic abilities overall.
Fun Turkey Swimming Facts
Here are some entertaining tidbits about turkeys and their unexpected swimming talents:
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Newly hatched turkey chicks can swim right away with no training needed.
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Male turkeys will display their swimming skills to attract females during mating season.
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Some wild turkeys dive into the water then swim stealthily with just their heads poking up.
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Turkeys will “run” across the water by rapidly paddling their feet before submerging.
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A group of swimming turkeys is called a “raft.”
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The famous first Thanksgiving likely included wild turkeys that could swim for food.
Turkeys may not be designed for aquatic life, but they are far from helpless in the water. With their natural buoyancy, paddle-friendly feet, fanned tail and streamlined posture, wild turkeys especially can readily swim across rivers, ponds and lakes. So next Thanksgiving when you enjoy succulent turkey, remember this bird has some hidden talents – including the ability to gracefully paddle through the water despite its ungainly silhouette!
Turkey pardons didn’t start at the White House
The tradition of sending a Thanksgiving turkey to the White House began during the administration of President Ulysses S. Grant, who was gifted with a 34-pound bird by Rhode Island Senator H.B. Anthony on behalf of turkey growers in his state.
However, Cornell University anthropologist Magnus Fiskesjö writes that the formal custom of pardoning a Thanksgiving turkey began in Alabama, “where the ceremony was first invented in the 1940s as a governor’s ritual,” before it was “exported to the capital.”
John F. Kennedy is sometimes credited with the first presidential pardon of a turkey when he declared, “Lets keep him going.” According to the White House Historical Association, “The formalities of pardoning a turkey gelled by 1989, when George H. W. Bush, with animal rights activists picketing nearby, quipped,”Reprieve, ‘keep him going,’ or ‘pardon’: Its all the same for the turkey, as long as he doesnt end up on the presidents holiday table.”
Turkeys say more than just ‘gobble-gobble’
Turkeys produce several different distinct sounds beyond their famous gobble (more of an ill-obble-obble-obble), which is uttered to attract females and establish territory.
Other “words” in the turkey lexicon: a contact call that sounds like a yelp (keouk, keouk, keouk), an alarm (putt), and a cluck that’s used as an assembly note (kut).
Swimming Turkey Thinks its a Duck
FAQ
Can baby turkeys swim?
Turkeys Can Swim! Crossing a river: “The old and fat birds easily get over, even should the river be a mile in breadth; but the younger and less robust frequently fall into the water, – not to be drowned, however, as might be imagined.
What are 5 interesting facts about turkeys?
- Turkeys Communicate in Complex Ways. …
- Turkeys Learn From Each Other. …
- Turkeys Remember Others. …
- Turkeys Can Change Color According to Their Moods. …
- Turkeys See the World in a Special Way. …
- Turkeys Can Hear Sounds Humans Can’t. …
- Turkeys Are Loving Mothers and Babysitters.
Can turkeys run 20 mph?
Did you know wild turkeys can run up to 20 mph?Nov 18, 2024
Can you swim in Turkey?
You can sunbathe and swim in the sea during the spring and autumn, too. Although Turkey is quite conservative compared to Britain and other Western European countries, it is secular and you can wear a swimming costume or bikini on the beach.
Can you swim with dolphins in Turkey?
Swim with dolphins in Turkey is the best solution to sleep problems, with severe stress, neurological and mental disorders, and depression. Of course, swimming once will not cure chronic illnesses.
Can you swim in Turks and Caicos in November?
The water temperature in Turks and Caicos during November is around 70-72 degrees Fahrenheit, which is swimmable, although you may get cold if you stay in the water for an extended period.
What are some wild facts about turkeys?
While you are likely familiar with the Wild Turkey (especially this week!), you may be surprised to learn these wild facts: 1. Turkeys are fast. Turkeys can run at speeds up to 25 miles per hour and are capable of flying as fast as 55 miles per hour (in short bursts).
What is a wild turkey?
The Wild Turkey is one of the most recognizable birds in North America and can be found in all of Ohio’s 88 counties. While you are likely familiar with the Wild Turkey (especially this week!), you may be surprised to learn these wild facts: 1. Turkeys are fast.
How many wild turkeys are there?
In the early 20 th century, there were about 200,000 wild turkeys in the United States. Thanks to conservation efforts, there are approximately 6.5 million wild turkeys in the United States today, according to the National Wild Turkey Federation. 8. Turkeys have a better known fossil record than most birds.