The turkey is one of the most well-known birds native to North America. Before Europeans arrived, an estimated 10 million turkeys roamed the continent. But by the 1950s, the birds were almost extinct due to overhunting and habitat loss. Conservationists stepped in to help, and today wild turkey populations are booming.
Wild turkeys are different from the domesticated species that may end up on your Thanksgiving plate. The biggest difference is the color: Wild turkeys are shades of brown, while domesticated turkeys are white.