<P> Native from the central valleys to the northern mountains of Mexico and the southernmost parts of Arizona and New Mexico . Gould's wild turkeys are heavily protected and regulated . The subspecies was first described in 1856 . They exist in small numbers in the U.S. but are abundant in northwestern portions of Mexico . A small population has been established in southern Arizona . Gould's are the largest of the six subspecies . They have longer legs, larger feet, and longer tail feathers . The main colors of the body feathers are copper and greenish - gold . This subspecies is heavily protected owing to its skittish nature and threatened status . </P> <P> The south Mexican wild turkey is considered the nominate subspecies, and the only one that is not found in the United States or Canada . In central Mexico, archaeological M. gallopavo bones have been identified at sites dating to 800--100 BC (10), (11). It is unclear whether these early specimens represent wild or domestic individuals, but domestic turkeys were likely established in central Mexico by the first half of the Classic Period (c . AD 200--1000). Late Preclassic (300 BC--AD 100) turkey remains identified at the archaeological site of El Mirador (Petén, Guatemala) represent the earliest evidence of the export of the south Mexican wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo gallopavo) to the ancient Maya world . The south Mexican wild subspecies, M. g . gallopavo, was domesticated either in Mexico or by Preclassic peoples in Mesoamerica, giving rise to the domestic turkey . The Spaniards brought this tamed subspecies back to Europe with them in the mid-16th century; from Spain it spread to France and later Britain as a farmyard animal, usually becoming the centerpiece of a feast for the well - to - do . By 1620 it was common enough so that Pilgrim settlers of Massachusetts could bring turkeys with them from England, unaware that it had a larger close relative already occupying the forests of Massachusetts . It is one of the smallest subspecies and is best known in Spanish from its Aztec - derived name, guajolote . This wild turkey subspecies is thought to be critically endangered, as of 2010 . </P> <P> The idea that Benjamin Franklin preferred the turkey as the national bird of the United States comes from a letter he wrote to his daughter Sarah Bache on January 26, 1784 . The main subject of the letter is a criticism of the Society of the Cincinnati, which he likened to a chivalric order, which contradicted the ideals of the newly founded American republic . In one section of the letter, Franklin remarked on the appearance of the bald eagle on the Society's crest: </P> <Table> <Tr> <Td> "</Td> <Td> Others object to the Bald Eagle, as looking too much like a Dindon, or Turkey . For my own part I wish the Bald Eagle had not been chosen the Representative of our Country . He is a Bird of bad moral Character . He does not get his Living honestly . You may have seen him perched on some dead Tree near the River, where, too lazy to fish for himself, he watches the Labour of the Fishing Hawk (osprey); and when that diligent Bird has at length taken a Fish, and is bearing it to his Nest for the Support of his Mate and young Ones, the Bald Eagle pursues him and takes it from him . <P> With all this Injustice, he is never in good Case but like those among Men who live by Sharping & Robbing he is generally poor and often very lousy . Besides he is a rank Coward: The little King Bird not bigger than a Sparrow attacks him boldly and drives him out of the District . He is therefore by no means a proper Emblem for the brave and honest Cincinnati of America who have driven all the King birds from our Country...I am on this account not displeased that the Figure is not known as a Bald Eagle, but looks more like a Turkey . For in Truth the Turkey is in Comparison a much more respectable Bird, and withal a true original Native of America...He is besides, though a little vain & silly, a Bird of Courage, and would not hesitate to attack a Grenadier of the British Guards who should presume to invade his Farm Yard with a red Coat on . </P> </Td> <Td>" </Td> </Tr> </Table>

What color is a turkey's beak and feet