When thinking about birds that are similar in size to a turkey, there are a few key options that come to mind. Turkeys themselves can vary somewhat in size, but generally they range from about 16-30 pounds, with mature males (toms) at the upper end of that range. Here are some of the birds that are in a comparable size class:
Peafowl
Peafowl are large, ornate pheasants that are known for their long tail feathers called trains. The two main species are the blue or Indian peafowl and the green peafowl. The males (peacocks) tend to be larger than the females (peahens).
On average, male blue peafowl weigh 13-15 pounds and females weigh 8-10 pounds. Male green peafowl are slightly heavier on average at 15-17 pounds compared to 9-11 pounds for females. So while peafowl aren’t quite as hefty as the biggest turkeys, their size definitely puts them in a similar bracket.
Physical Attributes
Beyond their impressive plumage, peafowl also have stocky, solid bodies like turkeys. They are quite tall, standing about 4 feet high. Their wingspan reaches an impressive 4-5 feet across. Overall, they command a sizable presence due to their height, long necks and sizeable fan of tail feathers.
Swans
Many species of swans are also comparable to turkeys in terms of their overall mass and proportions. Swans are very large waterfowl in the same family as ducks and geese, known for their graceful appearance and serene manner.
Some key facts about swan sizes:
- Mute swans typically weigh 20-30 pounds, overlapping with the upper size range of turkeys.
- Trumpeter swans weigh 20-25 pounds on average.
- Tundra swans weigh around 15-20 pounds.
- The largest swan species, the whooper swan, tips the scales at 25-35 pounds.
Male swans tend to be bigger than females, though there is some overlap in size ranges between the sexes. Like turkeys, swans have long necks and sizable bodies, though their plumage is very different from the iridescent feathers of a turkey.
Wingspan
One key difference between swans and turkeys in terms of size is wingspan. While turkeys have a relatively compact wingspan around 4-5 feet, swans have expansive wingspans measuring 5-8 feet across depending on species. This likely contributes to their graceful airborne capabilities despite their large mass.
Geese
The largest goose species are also similar in overall bulk to a turkey. In particular, the following geese stand out:
- Snow geese weigh 9-15 pounds on average
- Ross’s geese weigh 5-8 pounds
- Emperor geese tips the scales at 12-15 pounds typically
- The largest North American goose, the cackling goose, weighs 11-20 pounds
Domestic breeds can be even larger than their wild counterparts. For example, domestic Embden geese can reach 25 pounds or more. Goose sizes do vary considerably based on sex, with ganders weighing up to 50% more than females in some species. Overall though, the heavyweight geese species definitely approach turkey-like proportions.
Body Shape
Geese share some anatomical similarities with turkeys too. They have rounded, barrel-shaped bodies with long necks. Their wingspans are turkey-like as well, measuring 5 feet across on average. However, geese tend to be distinctly longer-necked and more streamlined than the stockier outline of a turkey.
Cassowaries
Cassowaries are enormous flightless birds that live in the forests of New Guinea and northeastern Australia. They are the third-tallest and second-heaviest living bird species, behind only their ostrich relatives.
Here are some key facts about cassowary sizes:
- Southern cassowaries weigh around 60-130 pounds on average
- Dwarf cassowaries weigh only 30-60 pounds
- Northern cassowaries fall in the middle at 55-90 pounds
So although cassowaries can be much heavier than turkeys, their lower weight estimates do overlap with the upper end of turkey sizes. Cassowaries also stand much taller at 4-5.5 feet to the top of their head. However, turkeys have stockier, thicker body and wing proportions compared to the leaner cassowaries.
Cassowary Attributes
Some of the most notable attributes of cassowaries, besides their imposing size, include:
- Black plumage with vivid blue and red skin on their neck and head
- A distinct helmet-like casque on top of their head
- Bright red, finger-like wattles hanging below their neck
- Powerful legs with dagger-like claws for kicking and defense
Rheas
Rheas are very large, flightless birds related to ostriches that live in South America. They belong to the ratite group of birds known for their speed, power and proportions. There are two main species:
- Common rheas: 66-88 pounds on average
- Greater rheas: 70-110 pounds on average
As you can see, the size range for greater rheas in particular reaches near or above that of a turkey. In fact, these tall birds can reach up to 5 feet in height. However, rheas have very different body proportions, with a small head perched on a very long, slender neck. Plus their bodies are leaner with a narrow breastbone, unlike the broad chest outline of most turkeys.
Fun Rhea Facts
A few interesting tidbits about these giant South American birds:
- They are fast runners, sprinting up to 40 mph
- Males incubate and raise the young
- They have three toes rather than four like most birds
- Groups of rheas are called “choirs”
Emus
Emus are Australian ratites closely related to ostriches. They are the second largest birds in the world based on their height. Some key facts about emus:
- Males weigh 90-130 pounds on average
- Females weigh 66-120 pounds typically
- They stand at 5-6 feet tall
- Overall size ranges from 4.2-6.2 feet tall and 55-95 pounds
So emus are taller on average than turkeys, but their mass and bulk overlaps for males in particular. They also share some anatomical similarities with turkeys like a large beak and strong legs optimized for running. However, emus have flatter, more discrete body feathering compared to the fluffier plumage on turkeys.
Unique Emu Traits
Here are a few fun facts that make emus unique:
- They are the only birds with calf muscles
- Their distinctive emu feet have only have 3 toes
- Emus have the ability to swim when necessary
- Males sit on the eggs to incubate them
Somali Ostrich
Ostriches are the largest and tallest living birds, so most species far outweigh an average turkey. However, a smaller subspecies called the Somali ostrich may be more comparable in mass:
- Male Somali ostriches weigh 176-308 pounds
- Females weigh 121-243 pounds
Although still heavier overall, there is some overlap with the upper range of turkeys, especially for female Somali ostriches. In terms of anatomy, ostriches share a similar broad, round body type and base of neck as turkeys. But their disproportionately small heads, long necks and taller heights set them apart.
Speed and Special Adaptations
A few attributes and abilities that set ostriches apart include:
- Top running speed of 45 mph
- Powerful kicks that can kill medium-sized predators
- Unique musculature allowing their legs to store energy while running
- Ability to withstand high desert temperatures
- Adapted feathers with exceptional insulation properties
Condors
Among birds of prey, Andean and California condors are giants that rival turkeys in scale. Here are some key facts:
- Andean condors weigh 22-33 pounds with a 10 foot wingspan
- California condors weigh 17-23 pounds with a 9.5-10 foot wingspan
While condors are still lighter than most turkeys on average, their huge wingspans put them in a comparable size class. Condors and turkeys also share some features like sizable heads perched on broad, hulking bodies. However, condors are uniquely adapted for lengthy flight at high altitudes, unlike turkey anatomy.
Scavengers
Here are some key facts about condors as scavengers:
- They primarily eat carrion rather than hunting
- Their bald heads allow them to reach deep into carcasses
- Condors have excellent eyesight to spot food from heights
- They rely on group foraging behaviors
- Their size allows them to scare away other scavengers from food sources
Screamers
Screamers are a group of unusual water birds that inhabit wetlands in South America. They have several notable characteristics:
- Weigh 4-8 pounds on average
- Stand about 2.5 feet tall
- Long legs with partially webbed feet for wading
- Make loud, shrieking vocalizations
So although lighter overall than most turkeys, screamers have some broad anatomical similarities thanks to their medium height, long thick necks and chunky bodies. However, they differ in their adapted feet, long beaks and streamlined feathers.
Behavior
Some key behavioral notes about screamers:
- Live in small family groups
- Build large mound nests together
- Male and female share incubation duties
- Very territorial during breeding season
- Omnivorous, eating water plants and insects
Crested Screamers vs. Horned Screamers
The two main species of screamers are crested screamers and horned screamers. Here is a comparison:
Crested Screamer | Horned Screamer |
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So crested screamers are noticeably larger and heavier than their horned counterparts. Both species are equipped with adaptations like sharp claws and muscular legs to protect themselves in their wetland habitats. Their contrasting crests and casques help differentiate these two big South American bird species.
Andean Condor vs. California Condor
California and Andean condors are the two largest flying birds in the world. Here is a comparison of their sizes and key attributes:
Andean Condor | California Condor |
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Key takeaways:
- Andean condors are larger and heavier overall
- California condors have more contrasting plumage
- Both soar over huge home ranges
- They fill an important niche as scavengers
Cassowary vs. Emu
Cassowaries and emus are two of the largest birds in Australia and the Southern Hemisphere. How do they compare in size and anatomy?
Cassowary | Emu |
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In summary:
- Emus are taller on average
- Cassowaries can weigh more
- Cassowaries have a distinct casque feature
- Cassowaries have more colorful heads
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are a number of living bird species that approach or overlap with the size of an average turkey. The largest examples are ratites like ostriches, emus, rheas and cassowaries. Waterfowl including swans and geese can also rival some turkeys in their proportions. Raptors like California and Andean condors have comparable wingspans and mass in some cases too. While they differ from turkeys in features like plumage, feathering and head shape, these plus other big birds match up surprisingly closely in their overall bulk and dimensions. Next time you see a turkey, picture some of their giant bird cousins from around the world that share a similar scale, though in quite different habitats.