Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Bearded Lady

Those of you who like the Turkey Ladies may have wondered if I wasn't just a little off in describing all of them as ladies.  That's because one of them has a beard(that tuft of hairlike feathers hanging from the middle of the chest.)  So, this may be a little turkey lesson for you.

I had always thought that the turkeys that looked like hens, but had a beard, were immature toms.  But, one day I was doing a little research on wild turkeys and found out, much to my surprise, that 10 to 20 percent of hens have a beard.

So, in the little band of five Turkey Ladies, we're about right on percentage in that one of the five has the beard.  At least, I can tell her from the others.

11 comments:

Sharon said...

That's almost funny Louise, I wonder what the odds are about female humans? Lots of us gals have mustaches or chin whiskers, hee hee!

Good Morning to Ya!

IsobelleGoLightly said...

I don't have a beard but my mom, Narcissa does! Weeeee! I'll have to ask my lady if she has one.

Jim said...

Now that is something I didn't know! thanks Louise. How big are these birds?
Jim

Louise said...

Jim, the hens are smaller than the toms. They can range from 7 to 12 pounds(3.2 to 5.4 kg). The ladies that frequent my feeder seem pretty big, so I would guess that they are on the heavier side. Toms can weigh from 11 to 24 lbs(5.0 to 10.9 kg) I haven't seen the toms since Spring, so I don't really have a guess as to how big they are around here.

A Brit in Tennessee said...

Well, that's interesting ! Each time we have a flock in the garden, I tell my SIL how many Toms we had. but not necessarily the case...hmmmm.
They have beautiful colors, and you have captured them perfectly !

Joanna@BooneDocksWilcox said...

In my domestic Bourbon Reds, the hens never have beards so that's interesting that some wild girls do.

barefootheart said...

News to me too! I'll have to look more closely at my visitors next time they show up.

Terry said...

Well of course your ladies are heavier - look at all the yummy food they get at your place! Turkey heaven!

Upupaepops said...

Perhaps she is of good "peasant stock" or over a certain age

I am both and yup dealing with those bonus facial sprouts is not fun

though in the bird above I suspect it might be a male

has a knob ( bridge of bill) and a bit of a wattle

It will be interesting to keep an eye on it.

~Kim at Golden Pines~ said...

These are great pictures!! And you've taught an old turkey something new!! (By the way, I don't have a beard...) ;-)))

AJ-OAKS said...

Wow, did not know that. Thanks for info. And I do love learning something new everyday. yay for the Turkey ladies.