Wild Turkey

Meleagris gallopavo

The wild turkey is a large fowl that varies in color from brownish to black.

Male wild turkeys, called “toms” or “gobblers,” have:

• Breast feathers that are tipped in black.
• Sharp, bony spikes called “spurs” on the back of each of their legs.
• A rough, black beard on the breast that can grow up to a foot long.
• A bare head.
• A fleshy appendage called a caruncle that dangles between the eyes.

Female wild turkeys, called “hens,” have:

• A duller overall color.
• Breast feathers tipped in brownish or tan.
• A head covered in hair-like feathers.
• No spurs, beard or caruncle.

Male wild turkeys can grow to about 3 feet tall and 4 feet long, and weigh up to 25 pounds. Females are smaller, growing to about half the height and weight as males.

Where does the wild turkey live?

Wild turkeys are found throughout the Bay watershed, in part due to state trapping and transplanting programs. They live in forests and grassy fields.

What does the wild turkey eat?

Wild turkeys eat mostly acorns, as well as other nuts and seeds, leaves and buds. Young turkeys will also eat insects and spiders.

What does the wild turkey sound like?

Males make a “gobbling” sound during courtship, and females will cluck to their chicks.

Where does the wild turkey nest and breed?

Wild turkeys usually being their courtship in early spring. They often locate their nests at the base of a tree and where there is overhanging cover. Females begin laying about one egg per day in mid-April, and lay a total of about a dozen eggs. Once she lays all her eggs, the female will incubate them for about four weeks.

The eggs usually hatch around the first week of June. Young chicks will follow their mother within a day of hatching, and can fly when they are eight days old.

Other facts about the wild turkey:

• Wild turkeys are very similar to their domesticated cousins, except wild turkeys are smaller and slimmer with a longer neck and body.
• The male turkey’s beard grows throughout its entire life, usually at a rate of about 4 inches per year.
• Males can change the color of their head to white, red and blue during breeding season to attract a mate and show dominance over other males.