Turkey national bird
The story about Benjamin Franklin wanting the National Bird to be a turkey is just a myth. This false story began as a result of a letter Franklin wrote to his daughter criticizing the original eagle design for the Great Seal, saying that it looked more like a turkey.
What is Turkey’s state bird?
The national bird of turkey is the chicken; they culturally prefer it fried than more traditional oven roasting techniques. “Double-headed eagle” was a national symbol for the Seljuks. It represents “emperor of east and west”. But the real national symbol for Turks is The Grey Wolf.
Who said the turkey should be the national bird?
Benjamin Franklin There's a story that Benjamin Franklin thought the turkey should be the national bird instead of the eagle. In a 1784 letter addressed to Sarah, his daughter, Franklin wrote: "For my own part I wish the bald eagle had not been chosen as the representative of our country. He is a bird of bad moral character.
Did Thomas Jefferson want the turkey to be the national bird?
Nope, while our nation has a rich history, this one is a myth. The Franklin Institute says the false story began circulating as a result of a letter he wrote to his daughter critiquing the original design of the Great Seal.
What did Thomas Jefferson want the national bird to be?
This launches a debate over which bird should symbolize America: John Adams calls for the eagle, Jefferson for the dove, and Franklin (of course) for the turkey.
Is the magpie a state bird?
The northern cardinal is the state bird of seven states, followed by the western meadowlark as the state bird of six states….States with the same state bird.
| Bird | # of states |
|---|---|
| American robin | 3 |
| Bobwhite quail (state game bird or wild game bird) | 3 |
| American goldfinch | 3 |
| Chickadee | 2 |
Is the robin a state bird?
In 1931, Michigan named the robin their state bird because they considered it to be "the best known and best loved of all the birds in the State of Michigan."
Why is the turkey not the national bird?
The story about Benjamin Franklin wanting the National Bird to be a turkey is just a myth. This false story began as a result of a letter Franklin wrote to his daughter criticizing the original eagle design for the Great Seal, saying that it looked more like a turkey.
