Wildlife Information - Wild Turkey
Physical Characteristics
The wild turkey is a large bird that measures 3 to 4 feet in length and has a 5-foot wingspan. Males weigh an average of 16 to 18 pounds. Some may weigh upwards of 25 pounds. Females weigh 9 to 11 pounds. Both males and females have dark brown and black plumage; however, females are smaller and duller by comparison. Males can also be distinguished from hens by the presence of a beard, wattles, spurs, and snood. The beard is a hair-like attachment, usually 5 to 10 inches in length that protrudes from the chest. Wattles are fleshy growths that hang beneath the chin. Spurs are bony, spear-like projections found on the back of each leg. The snood is a flap of skin that drapes over the bill.
Home Range
The wild turkey has a home range of 500 to 2,000 acres, depending on habitat quality.
Feeding Behavior
The wild turkey forages on ferns, grasses, buds, grapes, berries, insects, and nuts during the spring and summer. Acorns and other mast make up the majority of its diet in the fall and winter.
Geographic Location
Wild turkey population numbers have declined due to habitat loss. By 1900, the wild turkey population in the United States numbered less than 100,000. Today, however, the prolific bird has responded well to wildlife management practices and the population has grown to nearly 4.5 million. The wild turkey is found in all states except Alaska.
Habitat
The wild turkey inhabits wooded areas with scattered openings, prairies where food and cover are available, and mountain forests.
Reproduction
Mating occurs sometime between April and May. A polygamous animal, the male performs an elaborate courtship display each spring, strutting and twirling, hoping to attract hens. After mating, hens search for a secluded spot for nesting, usually a leaf-lined hollow in the brush or woodlands. Hens lay a typical clutch of 10 to 18 eggs, which are buff white with brown markings. After an incubation period of 28 days, all the eggs hatch within 24 hours of each other. Hens raise one brood of “poults” (newly hatched turkeys) each year. The male does not assist in caring for the young. The young are mobile and able to feed soon after hatching. Young remain with the female for up to 4 months.
Did You Know?
- The wild turkey can fly at speeds of 55 mph.
- Gregarious or social birds, 6 to 40 roost together each evening.
