Why did Ben Franklin propose the turkey as the National Bird?

Question

Was he just a fan of their taste?

Answer 1

Ben Franklin recognized that the turkey was unique to America and not found in the old world. Eagles are. He also admired the craftiness of the wild turkeys. If you've ever hunted one, they are not easy to find or to shoot. He felt the bird had more in common with American revolutionaires than the eagle.

Of course, if he'd seen what they've done to turkeys in our day and age, he'd probably groan and change his mind. The domestic turkey is as dumb as a bird can get (they literally will drown in a rainstorm while they try to figure out where the water is coming from) and they can't breed naturally. That bird on your table with that huge breast is most likely a very frustrated male who couldn't get his winkie in the proper part of the female anatomy because his breast is too big.

All domestic turkeys are artificially inseminated.

Answer 2

Because the turkey is native to the US. The eagle, Franklin argued, had been the symbol of the imperialistic Roman Empire and is an aggressive bird that will sometimes steal another bird's nest.

Answer 3

Who's Ben Franklin?

Answer 4

It's not so much that he wanted the Turkey to be America's national bird, rather he was opposed to having the Bald Eagle represent America because he considered it to be a bird of poor character.

Answer 5

I agree with loryntoo about the intelligence of the wild turkey.
If hunting them, u had better be very well-camouflaged, even ur shotgun should be camouflaged. This isn't necessary with alot of other birds. And as far as physical prowess, a wild turkey can run faster than a horse in a short race.

Answer 6

he said the turkey was a proud bird and would symbolize our country well.