Wild Turkey

Scientific name:   Meleagris gallopavo  

The largest game bird in Ohio is the wild turkey. It can reach to a height of almost four feet and can weigh up to 24 pounds. There are three features to easily tell the males (aka gobblers) from the females (hens). First and very obvious, the gobblers have a beard while the hens do not. Second, the gobblers have spurs on the legs and the hens don't. And third, if you get close enough, you can check the feathers. Gobblers have black-tipped feathers while hens have dark tan.