Wild turkeys in Rio Grande, Texas, USA

Though it’s the same species as the turkey you may have bought at the grocery store for today’s feast, the North American wild turkey has a reputation as a tough bird, and we’re not talking about the dark meat. It’s true: The tom will defend territory much like a rooster – kicking with the spurs on his legs and even using his large body to ram a predator.

Famously, Benjamin Franklin endorsed the wild turkey as our national bird over the bald eagle, writing in a letter to his daughter: "[It's a] respectable Bird, and withal a true original Native of America." He was right on that count. Due to the bird’s wide range across North America, it was hugely important in both the diet and mythology of numerous Native American tribes.

Franklin went even further: "[The turkey] 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." We always knew the turkey was a true patriot.