The wild turkey is a heavy upland ground bird native to North America. It is a myth that turkeys cannot fly. And though they only fly for short distances, their flight speed can reach 60 miles per hour. A wild turkey’s powerful legs enable them to launch to airborne safety from a standing position. However, on the ground they can run 25 miles per hour and take flight, as well. The wild turkey plays a noteworthy role in the cultures of many Native American tribes in North America. In addition to the Thanksgiving feast, it is a favorite meal in eastern tribes. The rituals and headgear of many tribes used turkey feathers. Turkey feather headdresses were worn by important leaders, such as Catawba chiefs. Important leaders of several tribes, including Muscogee Creek and Wampanoag, wore cloaks made of turkey feathers. The Navajo people of Southeastern Arizona, New Mexico and Utah call the turkey Tązhii and associate the bird with the corn and seeds which the turkey in Navajo folklore brought from the Third Navajo World. The turkey is a Navajo sacred bird. “Autumn Wild Tukey” is a digital painting and composite created by Spadecaller.