Turkeys are not native to the African continent. The two extant species of turkey, belonging to the genus Meleagris, have a natural historical range exclusively confined to the Americas. Any turkey encountered in Africa is a result of human intervention, specifically the global spread of domesticated poultry.
The Native Range of Turkeys
The natural home of the turkey is the New World, spanning North and Central America. There are only two recognized species: the Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) and the Ocellated Turkey (Meleagris ocellata). The Wild Turkey is widely distributed across the forests of the United States and parts of Mexico, while the smaller, more colorful Ocellated Turkey is restricted to the Yucatán Peninsula.
These large, heavy-bodied birds belong to the order Galliformes. Their history with humans began with indigenous peoples in Mexico, who first domesticated a subspecies of the Wild Turkey approximately 2,000 years ago. This domesticated descendant was later transported across the Atlantic Ocean to Europe and eventually around the world as a source of meat.
Domestic Turkeys on the African Continent
Turkeys are present in Africa solely as imported livestock, primarily for commercial meat production. They are farmed as poultry, just like chickens, and do not exist in any wild, self-sustaining populations. Countries across the continent, including major agricultural players like South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya, have established turkey farming operations. This practice is driven by the growing demand for poultry products and the high market value of turkey meat, particularly during festive periods. Farmers often utilize intensive rearing methods, keeping the birds in enclosed spaces to monitor production and reduce disease occurrence.
Native African Birds Mistaken for Turkeys
The confusion about turkeys in Africa likely stems from the continent’s own population of large, ground-dwelling birds that share a similar appearance. The most commonly confused species is the Helmeted Guinea Fowl (Numida meleagris), which is native to sub-Saharan Africa. Like the turkey, the guinea fowl is a gallinaceous bird with a bare head and neck, but it is significantly smaller.
Another bird that contributes to the confusion is the Kori Bustard (Ardeotis kori), the heaviest animal in Africa capable of flight. Male Kori Bustards can weigh up to 19 kilograms, giving them a size comparable to a large wild turkey. During courtship displays, the male bustard puffs out its neck and raises its tail over its back, a posture that closely mimics the strutting behavior of a male turkey. This large bird is sometimes locally called the “Christmas turkey” or “Kalahari Kentucky” in parts of Southern Africa, directly linking it to the American bird in popular culture.