Science & Technology

How turkeys progressed from the wild to the White House.

Turkeys are large birds native to North America. The wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) is known for its fan-shaped tail, gobbling calls, and large wattles hanging from its neck. The birds thrive in a variety of living conditions, such as forests, grasslands, and even suburban areas. They have evolved into an iconic symbol of the fall season and especially the Thanksgiving holiday. Turkeys have made their way from the dining room table to center stage at the White House for an official Presidential Turkey Pardon that takes place each year.

All About the Turkey

The turkey is directly related to the dinosaurs, especially the velociraptor. They have make their homes in North America, in such places as the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Two types exist: The most common is the wild turkey, and the other is the ocellated turkey found in northern Mexico.

Male turkeys, called “toms,” can weigh between 11 and 23 pounds. The largest wild turkey ever recorded weighed in at more than 37 pounds! Domesticated turkeys are much larger (between 30 and 80 pounds) and are about 45 inches long. Female turkeys, called “hens,” tend to be much smaller, weighing around 11 pounds. Both sexes have a long and fleshy snood that hangs over their beaks, as well as a tuft of feathers referred to as a beard.

Turkeys are omnivorous, meaning they consume both plants and meat. They primarily eat fruits, vegetables, insects, and grass. Because they are so large, they take in a large amount of food each day. They are also highly sought after by predators. Dogs, coyotes, bobcats, large birds of prey, and humans enjoy the tasty meat offered by a wild turkey. It’s no wonder the delicious bird has become the traditional Thanksgiving dinner entrée.

How the Turkey Became a Thanksgiving Entrée

Turkeys did not become a Thanksgiving staple until long after the first Thanksgiving in 1621. Pilgrims lived in harsh times with few resources, an abundance of diseases, and scarce food choices. They may have enjoyed some form of fowl for their yearly feast, though it is unclear what kind of bird.

After the turn of the 19th century, turkeys became the food of choice for the annual holiday meal. They offered enough meat to feed large groups and were not as valuable as cows and chickens, which provide resources like milk and eggs. Additionally, Sarah Josepha Hale, a famous writer, activist, and editor, campaigned for Thanksgiving to become an official national holiday. As the editor of a popular magazine called Godey’s Lady’s Book, she often portrayed roasted turkey as the main course in her descriptions of the holiday dinner, leading many families to follow suit.

Today, the Thanksgiving meal generally offers turkey as the centerpiece. Roasted, fried, or smoked, it is the premier dish served alongside stuffing, cranberry sauce, and other delectable sides.

The Annual Presidential Turkey Pardon

Each year, in November, the US President officially pardons live turkeys, keeping them safe from becoming a main dinner course. The history of the now-famous pardon is unclear, though it became an official tradition in 1989 under President George H.W. Bush. Presidents as far back as Abraham Lincoln are rumored to have participated in some form of the ceremony. President John F. Kennedy was the first to spare a turkey on a public platform.

The pardoned turkeys are sent to enjoy the rest of their natural lives at petting zoos and on farms around the country. The pardons provide a bit of lighthearted fun, humor, and compassion for the holiday season and add to the traditions that have shaped our nation’s identity.

Turkeys have come a long way over the years. From their lives in the wild to the bellies of millions of hungry Americans, and even a direct invitation to the White House, they are now a symbol of family, gratitude, and tradition in the United States of America.

1. Turkey is commonly the main course at many family Thanksgiving dinners.
2. George H.W. Bush made the annual Presidential Turkey Pardon an official event in 1989.
3. Sarah Josepha Hale is a large part of why turkeys became a symbol of Thanksgiving.