The turkey has a colorful and delicious history. Here are some facts about our nation's favorite bird:

• Turkeys originated in North and Central America, and evidence indicates that they have been around for more than 10 million years.
• Domesticated turkeys (farm-raised) cannot fly. Wild turkeys can fly for short distances at up to 55 miles per hour. Wild turkeys are also fast on the ground, running at speeds of up to 25 miles per hour.
• Only male turkeys (toms) gobble. Females (hens) make a clicking noise. The gobble is a seasonal call during the spring and fall. Hens are attracted for mating when a tom gobbles.
• More than 45 million turkeys are cooked and 525 million pounds of turkey are eaten during Thanksgiving.
• 99 percent of American homes eat turkey on Thanksgiving Day. Half eat turkey on Christmas.

National Business News
Nov/Dec 1999
Vol. 12. Number 6, Page 21