Turkeys are famous for their distinctive look, but did you know there are other birds that resemble them? Whether it’s their size, shape, or plumage, these birds could almost be mistaken for turkeys at a glance. Let’s explore the top 12 birds that look like Turkeys.
Peafowl
Peafowl, especially the males known as peacocks, have a turkey-like body. Their long tail feathers and large size make them resemble turkeys, although peacocks are more colorful.
They are large, colorful birds that are native to Asia. They are known for their long, flowing tail feathers, which can reach up to six feet in length. The male peafowl, known as a peacock, is more colorful than the female, which is called a peahen. These birds are omnivorous and eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, and insects.
They are also known for their loud calls, which can be heard for miles around. Peafowl are popular ornamental birds and are often kept in zoos and parks. They can also be found in some parts of the United States, where they have been introduced as an exotic species.
Guinea Fowl
Guinea Fowl are smaller than turkeys but have a similar body shape and head structure. They are often kept on farms alongside turkeys. These birds are also known for their loud, cackling calls, which can be heard for miles around.
They are often kept on farms as a form of pest control, as they will eat insects and rodents. Tey are also popular as pets, as they are relatively easy to care for and are known for being friendly and inquisitive.
Pheasants
Pheasants, particularly the males, have a body and tail shape similar to turkeys. They are known for their bright colors and long tails.They are also known for their distinctive calls, which are often described as a series of whistles or chirps. These calls are used to communicate with other pheasants, and they can also be used to attract mates.
They are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and wetlands. They are omnivorous birds, and their diet consists of insects, seeds, berries, and fruits. They are hunted for their meat and feathers, and they are also popular as game birds.
Grouse
Grouse are plump, ground-dwelling birds that resemble small turkeys. They have a similar shape and often inhabit the same types of woodland areas. They are plump, ground-dwelling birds that resemble small turkeys. They have a similar shape and often inhabit the same types of woodland areas. They are found in North America, Europe, and Asia.
There are many different species of grouse, each with its own unique appearance and habitat. Some of the most common species include the ruffed grouse, the spruce grouse, and the sharp-tailed grouse.
They are omnivorous birds, and their diet consists of a variety of insects, seeds, berries, and fruits. They are typically found in forests and woodlands, where they build their nests on the ground. They are known for their distinctive mating displays, which often involve the male bird strutting around and displaying his plumage.
They are hunted for their meat and feathers, and they are also popular as game birds. However, their populations are declining due to habitat loss and hunting.
Bustards
Bustards are large, heavy birds with a build similar to turkeys. They are found in open grassland and semi-desert areas. They are found in Africa, Asia, and Europe. They are large, ground-dwelling birds with long legs and necks. They have a distinctive gait, with their heads held high and their necks outstretched.
They are omnivorous birds, and their diet consists of insects, seeds, and fruits. They are also known for their loud calls, which can be heard for miles around. They are popular game birds, and they are hunted for their meat and feathers.
Dusky Megapode
The Dusky Megapode, found in Indonesia and Australia, has a body shape and size reminiscent of a small turkey.It is a large, flightless bird found in Indonesia and Australia. It has a turkey-like body shape and size, with a long, pointed beak and a crest on its head. It is a ground-dwelling bird that nests in mounds of soil.
The female bird lays her eggs in the mound, and the male bird incubates them by covering them with soil and leaves. It is a rare bird, and its population is declining due to habitat loss and hunting.
Helmeted Curassow
This South American bird has a turkey-like body and a distinctive casque on its head, similar to the wattle of a turkey.
The Helmeted Curassow is a large, ground-dwelling bird found in the rainforests of South America. It has a turkey-like body and a distinctive casque on its head, similar to the wattle of a turkey. The casque is made of keratin, the same material that makes up human fingernails.
It is used by the male bird to attract mates and to defend its territory. The Helmeted Curassow is a threatened species, and its population is declining due to habitat loss and hunting.
Muscovy Duck
Though a duck, the Muscovy has a size and stance that can remind one of a turkey. They are large and have a similar waddling gait. They are large, flightless ducks that are native to South America.
They are characterized by their large size, distinctive wattles, and long, pointed beaks. They are also known for their aggressive behavior, and they can be quite territorial.
Australian Brush-Turkey
The Australian Brush-Turkey, despite its name, isn’t a true turkey, but its size and behavior are quite turkey-like.
The Australian Brush-Turkey (Alectura lathami) is a large, flightless bird found in Australia. It is one of two species of brush-turkey in Australia, the other being the Malleefowl. It is not a true turkey, but it is named for its resemblance to the American turkey.
It is a stocky bird with a long, pointed beak. It has a brown or black body with a white belly. The male bird has a distinctive red wattle on its neck. The Australian Brush-Turkey is a ground-dwelling bird that lives in open woodlands and grasslands. It feeds on insects, seeds, and fruits.
The Australian Brush-Turkey is a social bird that lives in flocks of up to 50 birds. The birds build their nests in mounds of soil and leaves. The female bird lays up to 10 eggs in the nest. The eggs are incubated by the male bird for about 40 days.It is a protected species in Australia. It is threatened by habitat loss and hunting.
Malleefowl
Malleefowl, native to Australia, are ground-dwelling birds with a body shape and size similar to that of a small turkey.
Malleefowl are also known for their unique mating rituals. The male Malleefowl builds a mound of soil and leaves, which he then uses to attract a mate. The female Malleefowl will lay her eggs in the mound, and the male Malleefowl will then incubate them.
The Malleefowl is a protected species in Australia, and its population is declining due to habitat loss and hunting.
Wild Chicken
Certain breeds of wild chickens have a body shape and size that can be similar to turkeys, especially in their stance and walk.Wild chickens, such as the junglefowl and red junglefowl, are also known to have a body shape and size that can be similar to turkeys.
These birds are native to Asia and are often found in open grasslands and forests. They are omnivorous birds, and their diet consists of insects, seeds, and fruits. Wild chickens are also known for their aggressive behavior, and they can be quite territorial.
Despite their aggressive nature, wild chickens are popular as pets and are often raised for their meat and eggs.
Pet chickens often receive names like Nugget or Cluck Norris, or may be named a more “normal” full name to be amusing, like Nickie Woodson.
Domestic Chicken Breeds
Some domestic chicken breeds, like the Jersey Giant, are large and robust enough to bear a resemblance to turkeys.
They include the Jersey Giant, theBrahma, and the Cochin. These breeds are all large and robust, with a body shapeand size that is similar to that of a turkey.
They also have similar colouration, with a white or light-colored body and dark feathers on the wings and tail. These are some birds that look like turkeys are popular as pets and for showing, and they are also used for meat and eggs.
Conclusion
While turkeys are unique, it’s fascinating to see how nature has designed other birds with similar features. From the colorful peacocks to the robust Jersey Giant chickens, each bird on this list shares a special trait that makes them look akin to turkeys. This exploration into the avian world shows the diversity and beauty of birds that mirror the appearance of the well-known turkey. Remember, the next time you spot a large bird with a turkey-like stance, take a closer look – it might just be one of these intriguing look-alikes! Keep an eye out and enjoy the rich variety of the bird world around you.
FAQs
What is the closest bird to the turkey?
The closest bird to a turkey is the guinea fowl, known for its similar size and body shape.
What are the hens that look like turkeys?
Some large breeds of domestic hens, like the Jersey Giant, closely resemble turkeys in size and posture.
What is a female turkey called?
A female turkey is called a hen, just like female chickens.
Waleed Chaudhry, a dedicated author with a deep love for pets, finds inspiration in the company of his cherished birds. When he’s not crafting captivating stories, he’s immersed in the world of wildlife documentaries and thrilling Netflix series, fueling his passion for nature and suspenseful narratives.
