Merriam's Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo)

Size

• Male body length ranges from 122 to 127 centimetres (48 to 50 inches).
• Female body length ranges from 89 to 94 centimetres (35 to 37 inches).

Appearance

• General distinguishing features include:
   
  • featherless head and legs
  • dark glossy body plumage
  • copper-coloured tail with light tip
• Male turkeys have a long central breast tuft, a red-blue head, and red wattles.
• Female turkeys have a blue-grey head and are less colourful overall.

• Merriam's or wild turkeys are native North American birds, but Alberta is well beyond their natural range.
• Successful introduction of this species has been made to the Cypress Hills and Porcupine Hills in southern Alberta.

Habitat

• This species requires extensive tracts of forest with dense vegetation and small clearings.

Food

• Diet includes grass, leaves and seeds.

Status

Merriam's turkeys are classified as Exotic/Alien in the General Status of Alberta Wild Species report. See:

• General Status of Alberta Wild Species

Current management

Hunting

• A limited number of special licenses are issued only to resident hunters through a draw. Specific season information is provided in the current Alberta Guide to Hunting Regulations. To view the guide online or to order a printed copy, visit the My Wild Alberta website at:
  
  
  • Hunting: Regulations