Buzz
Turkeys are often unfairly labeled as unintelligent, but this stereotype isn’t entirely accurate. Mimi Ditchie Photography/Moment/Getty ImagesMain Points
- The idea that turkeys drown by looking up during rain is a myth. However, they may tilt their heads due to a genetic issue known as tetanic torticollar spasms.
- Turkeys possess monocular vision, allowing them to focus on two separate objects at once, but this trait doesn’t lead to drowning in the rain.
- Contrary to popular belief, turkeys are sociable and clever birds, adept at running, flying short distances, and even swimming.
Turkeys are a staple in American culture. Whether it’s their clumsy walk, the floppy red wattles on their necks, or the odd noises they produce, turkeys have earned a reputation for being unintelligent. The term "turkey" is even used colloquially to describe someone as foolish or incompetent.
The myth that turkeys drown by staring open-beaked at the sky during rainstorms likely stems from their reputation as 'dumb birds.' While turkeys do occasionally tilt their heads upward and remain still for extended periods, scientists confirm that the drowning claim is entirely fictional.
Turkeys possess monocular vision, with their eyes positioned on either side of their head. This allows them to observe two separate objects simultaneously, unlike humans, who have binocular vision and focus on a single image. While this trait helps turkeys spot predators, it limits their depth perception. To compensate, turkeys often tilt their heads sideways for a clearer view. If a turkey were to tilt its head backward to watch raindrops, it would struggle to focus properly.
What causes turkeys to gaze skyward? According to Tom Savage, a former animal science professor at Oregon State University, this behavior is linked to genetics, not lack of intelligence. In the 1990s, he identified a genetic condition in turkeys called tetanic torticollar spasms, which can trigger unusual actions like staring at the sky for 30 seconds or longer.
Contrary to popular belief, turkeys are far from unintelligent. They are social creatures that interact with one another and even approach humans to greet them.
Here are some fascinating truths about turkeys:
- Domestic turkeys, bred for their size and meat, are unable to fly due to their lack of aerodynamic features, though they may attempt to hop occasionally. In contrast, wild turkeys can fly in short bursts and are remarkably swift, achieving speeds of 25 mph (40 kph) on the ground and 60 mph (97 kph) in the air, as Scientific American notes.
- Loud noises tend to frighten turkeys, causing them to gather in groups near fences for safety.
- Benjamin Franklin admired the turkey, referring to it as a "bird of courage" and preferring it over the bald eagle, which he described as having "bad moral character," according to the Franklin Institute.
