Wild turkeys use gizzard stones to aid digestion, wildlife officials say

Wildlife officials from the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks are highlighting the function of gizzard stones in wild turkeys this TurkeyTuesday.

Turkeys lack teeth. Instead, they have a muscular organ called a gizzard that grinds food. The bird intentionally picks up small stones, pebbles, and grit, which remain in the gizzard to aid digestion, according to the department.

These smooth stones act like built-in teeth, breaking down seeds, acorns, and insects into smaller pieces. This process allows nutrients to be absorbed more efficiently through the digestive system.

The department notes that the gizzard is often overlooked but is a vital part of a turkey’s anatomy. Many hunters save gizzard stones from harvested birds as keepsakes of their season.

This turkey season, wildlife officials encourage hunters to examine the gizzards of their birds. They might find colorful, smooth stones that helped fuel the bird’s activities all year long.

Source: Original Article