Let’s go over parts of a turkey, how to cut up a whole bird and how to cook each one best. 3 diagrams will show you where each one is.
Do you know all the parts of a turkey and where they are on the bird? Wondering how to position it if your recipe calls for the breast side facing up? Let’s show you where each piece is, how to cut it apart and ways to cook a moist turkey whole or dismantled. (affiliate links present)
Whether you are preparing a whole turkey or cooking different cuts, it helps to know the names and functions of the various parts that make up this popular holiday bird. Let’s explore turkey anatomy from head to toe.
Turkey Head and Neck
The head and neck of a turkey contain these key features:
-
Beak – Also called a bill, this is the hard, protruding mouthpart used for eating.
-
Snood – A fleshy growth that hangs over the beak Longer in male turkeys,
-
Wattle – The red flap of skin under the chin. Helps regulate body temperature.
-
Caruncles – Fleshy growths on the head and neck. More prominent in males.
-
Crop – Pouch along the neck that stores food before digestion.
-
Neck – Connects the body to the head. Has longer feathers.
Turkey Body Parts
The body of the turkey consists of:
-
Breast – The upper front portion, containing the pectoral muscles. It’s the leanest and largest cut.
-
Wings – Used for balance and flight. Sections include the drumette, wingette, and tip.
-
Thighs – The upper part of the leg with darker, juicier meat.
-
Drumsticks – The lower leg, resembling a drumstick shape. Also dark meat.
-
Back – Where the spine runs along the body. Contains the rib section.
-
Tail – Found at the rear, with long display feathers. Not eaten.
Inside the Turkey Cavity
Looking inside a turkey reveals:
-
Cavity – The open space once organs are removed. Often stuffed for added flavor.
-
Wishbone – Shaped like a “Y”, this fused clavicle is in front of the breastbone.
-
Giblets – The edible organs including liver, gizzard, heart and neck. Packaged inside.
-
Gizzard – Part of the stomach used to grind food. Requires long cooking.
-
Heart – A vital organ made of muscle. Smaller and darker than chicken hearts.
-
Liver – Responsible for processing fats and proteins. Has a soft texture.
-
Neck – Bony part that attaches the body to the head. Use for soup stock.
Turkey Feet and Spurs
-
Feet – Used for walking and scratching. Not consumed.
-
Spurs – Pointed spikes on a male’s legs used for fighting.
Key Differences Between Male and Female Turkeys
There are some notable anatomical differences between male (tom) and female (hen) turkeys:
-
Size – Toms weigh 20-40 lbs on average while hens are 10-15 lbs.
-
Feathers – Toms have colorful, iridescent feathers while hens have duller plumage.
-
Head – Toms have a longer snood and more prominent caruncles and wattles.
-
Spurs – Found on tom’s legs only, used for fighting.
-
Breast – Proportionally larger on hens compared to their smaller frames.
Knowing the names for turkey body parts helps when shopping for specific cuts and preparing them. With this guide to turkey anatomy, you’ll be carving and cooking your holiday bird like an expert!
thekitchentoday.com: 5
poultry.extension.org: 6
nwtf.org: 4
Parts of a Turkey Diagram
Ok so I have three different pictures here for you. One is drawn below and a side view so you can really see where the thigh and drumettes are since in the other s those are a bit hidden. Let’s go over all 5 first shall we. You will get two of each per bird, other than just one turkey neck.
The last two dark meat selections will come off as one piece. If you wanted to cook whole turkey wings you could do so but I prefer them separated. Legs and thighs will come off together as well and will need to be parted as well unless you want to cook as whole quarters. For the ideal “doneness” it’s best to part ways.
How do you separate turkey legs and thighs?
It is all about finding the joints when it comes to separating the two. We show you here how to deconstruct a raw turkey here. That post will show you in detail how to remove all 5 pieces from the carcass. From there you can cook each one in all sorts of ways, choose your fave;
parts of a turkey
FAQ
Do turkeys have talons or claws?
Tree cover provides protection against predators, and turkeys dig their talons deep into the branches, giving them a secure foothold.