05 May 2019
An interview with a brush turkey
by Ava & Tabi
Did you know that, funnily enough, brush turkeys only live in eastern parts of Australia, and nowhere else in the entire world?!
We decided to interview a brush turkey because they are part of our school’s community, and we want people to recognise that.
But first, here is some history:
The birds were nearly wiped out during the 1930s because they were so easy to hunt. They’ve been around for 30 million years, and that’s longer than most species of animal. Brush turkeys were once eaten by the indigenous aboriginal people.
Here is some helpful info on brush turkeys:
They are also called scrub turkeys, brush turkeys or alectura lathami (their scientific name). Brush turkeys’ nests and mounds can be as BIG as cars, and up to 4 metres wide and 2 metres tall!
Sadly, the chance of a brush turkey surviving to see adulthood is as little as 1 in 2000. Brush turkeys are a very quiet species of bird. They come from the mound building family of Megapodiidae.
Brush turkeys really REALLY like our school, KHPS!
Now onto our interview:
Q-What do you think of your home, KHPS?
A-(Peck peck peck), It is absolutely impossible to find any food scraps round here, because unfortunately it is kept very clean.
Q-What are some eventful moments of your life here?
A-Only yesterday, I figured out how to open the BIG smelly blue thingamabobs (aka bins). It is the sacred goal of all brush turkeys.
Q-What is your name? Do you go by Mr Brush Turkey?
A- No! I go by Pecky. I have no idea why I was named that, I wonder??? (Peck peck peck).
Q-What do you think of our popcorn?
A-It has a peculiar taste, but crunchy. I like it!
Q-What do you eat on a daily basis?
A-I eat whatever I can get. Preferably insects, seeds and fallen fruits. Occasionally Ii may feast myself to a rotten log. Popcorn’s good though.
Q-How do you feel about the argument on whether it is Brush or Bush Turkey?
A-(Flap flap flap). It is brush turkey, not bush turkey. I will not hear of it! Runs sassily away.
Q-Have you always lived at KHPS?
A-Don't know! Don't remember!
Q-Are you lonely or do you have friends?
A-I don’t have friends, I’ve got a friend. His name is Larry. But I’m not his friend.
We have to say, that it was a very interesting interview. With quite a few ups and downs. BUT remember, respect the brush turkeys and their habitats. Just because they do not have a significant importance doesn’t mean that they are not a significant part of our community. They need OUR help!