It is believed that wild turkeys are descended from a peafowl-like, or peacock-like, ancestor. Look at the two photographs. The wild turkey is shown on the left, and the modern peacock is shown on the right.
There is a noticeable similarity in the body shape and size of the wild turkey and the peacock, as well as in the overall coloration of their feathers. Both birds have long tails with colorful plumage that they use to attract mates during breeding season. This similarity supports the idea that wild turkeys are descended from a peafowl-like ancestor. Additionally, both birds belong to the same family of birds known as Phasianidae, which includes pheasants, quails, and partridges. This further suggests a shared ancestry between wild turkeys and peafowl.
