Turkeys Meleagrididae
There are two species of Turkey within a single genus. The Ocellated Turkey Meleagris ocellata of the subtropical lowlands of Central America is listed as near-threatened. They are closely related to the pheasants and partridges (Phasianidae), and some authors lump them in a single family.

Meleagris

There are 2 species in the genus.

The Wild Turkey Meleagris gallopavo is the largest game bird in North America. They are found from southern Canada, south through the USA, to the mountains of central Mexico. Due to their popularity as an important nutritional food source and relative ease of domestication, they have been introduced to Hawaii, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. It is interesting to note that the wild turkey is one of only two domesticated birds originating in the New World. The other is the Muscovy Duck Cairina moschata. This adult female was photographed at the Springfield nature center, Springfield, Missouri, USA.



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