Meleagris gallopavo—(Wild Turkey?) 8.7%
Of all the bird remains, the greatest number by far were those
of the turkey. Of all the bones at the ruin 8.7% were those of the
gallopavo. These were found under all conceivable circumstances,
as was mentioned before in connection with the burials and the
kivas. Perhaps the most interesting notation concerning the turkey
was its total absence in the Pueblo I level. There are certainly
enough specimens to insure of this being more than merely
negative evidence.
Is is interesting also to speculate upon the source of these
birds, as well as upon the long-mooted question of their domestication.
A fragment of egg shell from Room I has the circumference
and shape of a turkey egg. Also, the Chaco country at
present is not suited for turkeys as there is little or no oak scrub
mast or piñon nuts. This situation may have been different in
1000 A. D., however. Large numbers of turkeys were brought to
Tseh So, but whether alive or dead it is impossible to say.
