(image from Ilana Minkoff)
The turkeys ubiquitous in California aren't native to the state, as the native species, Meleagris californica, went extinct centuries before the Spanish invasion of California (which started in 1769).
In about 1959, what is now California Fish & Game started introducing live-trapped turkeys from Texas, Meleagris gallopavo -- and they thrived. And more than thrived.
source: https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/guest-blog/california-s-wild-turkey-troubles/
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