Fascinating Facts About The Turkey

They don't call it "Turkey Day" for nothing. When Thanksgiving gets here on Thursday, everyone (well almost everyone) will be gobbling down turkey before settling in for some football. Before taking your nap from either the turkey tryptophan or the Detroit/Chicago football game, here are some things you may not know about the guest of honor at the Thanksgiving table.

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We'll start with a familiar turkey fact but will you know the rest.

Fascinating Facts About Turkey

Benjamin Franklin wanted the wild turkey to be the official national bird for the United States. I think the right choice was made when they went with the bald eagle.

The turkey got its name by mistake. The British thought it was a bird that came from Africa through Turkey. The name ended up sticking anyway.

Only male turkeys gobble. The female turkey actually makes a clicking sound.

Want to make friends with a turkey? You can make it happy by stroking its feathers. Most tame turkeys like to be petted. If you try it, let me know how it turns out.

If you don't like loud noises, don't have turkeys at your home. The male Tom can be heard as far as a mile away.

The bright red skin that hangs from the turkey's neck is called the "wattle. The skin that hangs over a turkey's beak is called a "snood" and the skin hanging from its throat is known as a "caruncle."

Speaking of turkey and Thanksgiving, have you ever wondered what it might have been like for the pilgrims on the Mayflower? Check this out below.

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