OK did ya know? State Game Bird

Did you know Oklahoma has an official game bird? Let me introduce you to Meleagris gallopavo otherwise known as the Wild Turkey.

In 2006 the Oklahoma Legislature designated the Wild Turkey as Oklahoma's official game bird:

§ 98.13. State Game Bird
The Wild Turkey Meleagris gallopavo is hereby designated and adopted as the state game bird of the State of Oklahoma.

Wild Turkeys are a large ground-dwelling bird with long powerful legs, a large fan-shaped tail, and a bare head and neck which can appear reddish turning to blue. Adult birds can weight about 18 lbs, be around 45" in size, and have a wingspan of 49" to 57". The males are larger than the females, with much more prominent beard. The males have an explosive gobble. The females a nasal yelp.

Wild Turkeys shouldn't be confused with the Domesticated Turkey. The Domesticated Turkey is descended from the Wild Turkey, and is most likely to be on your Thanksgiving Day table.

Wild Turkeys can be found in all 77 counties in Oklahoma.

Hunting season for the Wild Turkey occurs statewide in the spring and fall. Visit the Oklahoma Wildlife Department for exact dates and regulations.

More Information About Wild Turkeys:

• All About Birds: Wild Turkey
• Wikipedia: Wild Turkey
• Oklahoma Wildlife Dept: Turkeys
• OKInsider.com: OK-House talks turkey...
• birdsofoklahoma.net: Wild Turkey

In some what related trivia: did you know that May 1st is "Bird Day" in Oklahoma.

§ 87. Bird Day
May 1st of each year is hereby established as "Bird Day" in Oklahoma, to be commemorated in such manner as the Societies for the Preservation of Wildlife may prescribe, from time to time.