More info: There are just 2 species of turkey in the world. The Ocellated Turkey of Mexico and Central America and the Wild Turkey of North America. The modern domesticated turkey descends from the wild turkey.

In the 1500s, Spanish traders took some turkeys which had been domesticated by indigenous Americans, to Europe and Asia. The bird reportedly got its common name because it reached European tables through shipping routes that passed through Turkey. On a continent where fine dining still included eating storks, herons, and bustards, the meaty, succulent turkey was a sensation. Later on, when the English arrived in America, they were amazed to find the same birds running wild and free, and also tasting really good thanks to their free range diet including chestnuts, beechnuts, walnuts, and other natural foods.

Turkeys are known to exhibit over 20 distinct vocalisations, including the distinctive gobble, produced only by the males, which can be heard a mile away. Individual turkeys have unique vocalisations which is how turkeys recognise each other. Turkeys are intelligent and sensitive birds and are highly social. They create lasting social bonds with each other and are very affectionate; rather similar to dogs. Turkeys have the ability to learn the precise details of an area over 1,000 acres in size.