Wild Turkey - Meleagris gallopavo
Habitat

Turkeys are usually found in or near mature hardwood forests, but they will utilize some forest openings and edges of pine forests.

Ecological Niche
They are the largest of the North American gallinaceous birds - chicken-like birds with short stubby wings and feet made for fast running. Their diet varies with the seasons. Acorns, dogwood, and other berries, and seeds from grasses and weeds predominate in the fall and winter. Insects and green vegetation are eaten in the spring and summer.
Life Cycle
Turkeys build only a crude nest on the ground in grass or leaf litter, frequently near forest openings. They lay 10 to 15 eggs which hatch after 28 days of incubation. The young are precocious and begin to feed themselves immediately. Individuals which survive to adulthood can live 10 years. In captivity, turkeys may live 12 years or more.
Behavior and physical adaptations
 As with other gallinaceous birds, turkeys have feet which are adapted to life on the ground. They usually will run from danger if possible. Their bills are suitable for picking up seeds and insects from leaf litter off the ground. The bare skin on their heads are used in dominance demonstrations between males and is used to attract females. They roost in trees at night to avoid ground dwelling nocturnal predators. The wild turkey has excellent color vision.