Little Know Facts about Turkeys

In a letter to his daughter, Benjamin Franklin proposed that the turkey become the official bird of the United States of America. We probably don't give the turkey that much thought until autumn comes and the plans for Thanksgiving are under way. Other than at this great holiday meal where they are the centerpiece, turkeys are usually relegated to nothing more than deli meat on a sandwich. So, to celebrate the glorious turkey, here are some facts that you always wanted to know about turkeys, but were afraid to ask:

• Male turkeys are called toms. Females are hens
• On a quiet day, gobbling turkeys can be heard a mile away
• Turkeys do not see well at night, but they see in bright color
• Commercially raised turkeys cannot fly
• Wild turkeys can fly for short distances up to 55 miles per hour
• For their first meal on the moon, astronauts Neil Armstrong and Edwin Aldrin ate roast turkey in foil packages.
• June, not November, is National Turkey Lover's Month.
• Turkey's heads change color when they get excited.
• Wild turkeys especially enjoy sleeping in trees at night, preferably oak trees.
• Big Bird from Sesame Street is actually dressed in 4,000 white turkey feathers that have been dyed yellow.

So, now you know more about the turkey, celebrate him with style!