WILD TURKEY

Wild Turkeys are rather abundant on the Navajo Nation within the high-elevation pine and fir forests. They spend most of their days in flocks, foraging on the ground for acorns, nuts, seeds, leaves and ground-dwelling insects. Then they retreat to roost in tall pine or fir trees for the night. Nesting occurs on the ground where 8 to 15 eggs are laid in a shallow depression in the ground, which is surrounded by dense brush, deep grass or fallen tree tops. Males are known for their colorful displays for females along with their gobbling that echoes through the spring forests.

Turkeys are called "Tązhii" in the Navajo language. Many traditional Navajo ceremonial stories involve the Tązhii, and turkey feathers are used in some ceremonies. Turkeys are also credited with bringing seeds into the current World for the Navajo People to have an abundance of melons, squash, corn and beans.