You may call me, Tom.  No, it doesn’t bother me.  Besides, you’re more likely to remember my name.  In a couple of days, you’ll be seeing many of my relatives.  Only, you’re unlikely to see even one turkey, in all its finery.  Hence, I’ve been asked to model for you.

My head is well decorated with caruncles.  They are wart-like bumps.  And like a mood ring, my face changes colors between red, white, and blue.  Under my chin, I have a wattle.  On top of my beak, I have a snood.  Depending on my mood, it changes from short and compact to extra-long and floppy.  I also sport a beard.  But, it’s not on my face.  It’s on my chest.

 

As for the rest of my body, it is adorned in feathers.  In fact, I have about 5500 in different sizes, shapes, and colors.  For centuries, they have been used for writing instruments (pens), hunting tools (arrow fletchings), medical purposes, and for decoration.

 

 

And if you want to liven up your Thanksgiving conversations, tell everyone I can hiss, purr, and bark.  But, if you want to blow their minds, tell them I’m not a vegetarian.  It’s true.  I’m an omnivore and like my meat raw.  Speaking of which, anyone care to join me for sushi or steak tartare?