Few birds have the stories and unique life histories as the Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo). How many species can boast of the enthusiasm of an honored statesman such as Benjamin Franklin? However, for the record, he never publicly praised this ground-dwelling upland game bird. Nevertheless, understanding the turkey’s roosting behavior reveals a lot about this fowl.
Species and Subspecies We can begin with the species and subspecies to determine what time of day these birds roost. There is one other living species in addition to the one we’ve mentioned previously. The Ocellated Turkey (Meleagris ocellata) is native to the forests, wetlands, and savannahs of Mexico and Central America. Image Credit: Ondrej Prosicky, Shutterstock The Wild Turkey lives throughout North America, from Canada down to Mexico. Interestingly, it was introduced in New Zealand, Australia, and the Hawaiian Islands. There are six subspecies of the Wild Turkey that can offer some clues about its roosting behavior. Each occupies a specific range and habitat type. They include going from north to south the following:
Eastern Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris)
Merriam’s Wild Turkey ( g. merriami)
Rio Grande Wild Turkey ( g. intermedia)
Florida Wild Turkey ( g. osceola)
Gould’s Wild Turkey ( g. mexicana)
South Mexican Wild Turkey ( g. gallopavo)
Image Credit: Jim Cumming, Shutterstock The Eastern Wild Turkey is the most abundant of the lot, found throughout the eastern part of the country. It is an omnivorous animal, feeding on a variety of foodstuffs, from acorns to fruits to insects. General Behavior All species and subspecies of turkey are diurnal, which means that they are active during the day. Calling these birds generalists is a fitting description of their overall habitat preferences and foraging habits. They’ll live in a variety of places, from marshlands to agricultural fields to mountains. This opportunistic behavior explains why the population of the Wild Turkey has skyrocketed in recent years. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN), the species numbers have increased an astonishing 18,700% over the last 40 years! It helps that the Wild Turkey is quite adaptable and used to being around humans. Perhaps that explains why some birds even become aggressive when confronted by people. It was an astute observation of Benjamin Franklin, whose letter to his daughter described the Wild turkey as “…a Bird of Courage, and would not hesitate to attack a Grenadier of the British Guards who should presume to invade his Farm Yard with a red Coat on.” Image Credit: Danita Delimont, Shutterstock Life as a Prey Species Several predators keep the Wild Turkey on their radar, including snakes, coyotes, raccoons, and even Golden Eagles. Humans are also on that list, with the 2 million hunters of this upland game bird. This status as a prey species has a profound impact on the fowl’s behavior, including roosting. Roosting Behavior It’s worth noting that most of the Wild Turkey’s predators are either crepuscular or nocturnal animals. Whether they’re active at dawn, dusk, or night, it’s hunting at times when the turkeys are not. That fact leaves them vulnerable. Hence, turkeys roost in trees to give them the best chances of survival. Remember that these birds are large animals, weighing in at up to 24 pounds or more. Therefore, the trees in which they roost must be equally as sturdy to support them. The size of a posse of turkeys varies during the year, from groups of bachelor gobblers to females with their young to flocks of mating birds. The point is that Wild Turkeys roost in gangs to stay safe. Image Credit: Piqsels The trees supporting them must be able to handle their collective weight. Gathering in flocks gives Wild Turkeys several advantages. While they’re naturally wary, living in groups means more eyes and ears are alert to predators. These birds don’t see well at night, making being social essential for survival. It also impacts their behavior. Sometimes, Wild Turkeys will even defend their space, which also benefits these birds. Using Roosts Wild Turkeys will go high up on a tree to stay safe. That might not help a lot with a hunting Great Horned Owl, but it’s better than nothing when you’re a prey species. These birds also use trees as protection against the weather. While they will roost at night, they may also take to the trees if the conditions take a bad turn. Like most animals, they will seek cover even during the day if needed. During the winter months, conifers are more desirable for roosting because of the cover they provide. However, Wild Turkeys often use the same trees once they’ve found a good one to use. The young will follow suit and roost in the same place. Image Credit: Pixabay Location and Type You’ll often see roosting trees near a favored feeding spot. You can identify the one that the turkeys are using by examining the ground underneath the tree. Droppings and feathers are a dead giveaway. They are creatures of habit, with their days starting with the dawn and lots of vocalizing.
Final Thoughts Wild Turkeys use roosting trees to their advantage. They provide ideal cover, whether it’s during the night or bouts of foul weather. The trees offer excellent camouflage to give turkeys the best protection when they are most vulnerable to predation.
Featured Image Credit: Piqsels
Few birds have the stories and unique life histories as the Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo). How many species can boast of the enthusiasm of an honored statesman such as Benjamin Franklin? However, for the record, he never publicly praised this ground-dwelling upland game bird. Nevertheless, understanding the turkey’s roosting behavior reveals a lot about this fowl.
Species and Subspecies
We can begin with the species and subspecies to determine what time of day these birds roost. There is one other living species in addition to the one we’ve mentioned previously. The Ocellated Turkey (Meleagris ocellata) is native to the forests, wetlands, and savannahs of Mexico and Central America.
The Wild Turkey lives throughout North America, from Canada down to Mexico. Interestingly, it was introduced in New Zealand, Australia, and the Hawaiian Islands. There are six subspecies of the Wild Turkey that can offer some clues about its roosting behavior. Each occupies a specific range and habitat type. They include going from north to south the following:
Eastern Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris)
Merriam’s Wild Turkey ( g. merriami)
Rio Grande Wild Turkey ( g. intermedia)
Florida Wild Turkey ( g. osceola)
Gould’s Wild Turkey ( g. mexicana)
South Mexican Wild Turkey ( g. gallopavo)
The Eastern Wild Turkey is the most abundant of the lot, found throughout the eastern part of the country. It is an omnivorous animal, feeding on a variety of foodstuffs, from acorns to fruits to insects.
Eastern Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris)
Merriam’s Wild Turkey ( g. merriami)
Rio Grande Wild Turkey ( g. intermedia)
Florida Wild Turkey ( g. osceola)
Gould’s Wild Turkey ( g. mexicana)
South Mexican Wild Turkey ( g. gallopavo)
- Eastern Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris)
- Merriam’s Wild Turkey ( g. merriami)
- Rio Grande Wild Turkey ( g. intermedia)
- Florida Wild Turkey ( g. osceola)
- Gould’s Wild Turkey ( g. mexicana)
- South Mexican Wild Turkey ( g. gallopavo)
General Behavior
All species and subspecies of turkey are diurnal, which means that they are active during the day. Calling these birds generalists is a fitting description of their overall habitat preferences and foraging habits. They’ll live in a variety of places, from marshlands to agricultural fields to mountains. This opportunistic behavior explains why the population of the Wild Turkey has skyrocketed in recent years.
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN), the species numbers have increased an astonishing 18,700% over the last 40 years! It helps that the Wild Turkey is quite adaptable and used to being around humans. Perhaps that explains why some birds even become aggressive when confronted by people.
It was an astute observation of Benjamin Franklin, whose letter to his daughter described the Wild turkey as “…a Bird of Courage, and would not hesitate to attack a Grenadier of the British Guards who should presume to invade his Farm Yard with a red Coat on.”
Life as a Prey Species
Several predators keep the Wild Turkey on their radar, including snakes, coyotes, raccoons, and even Golden Eagles. Humans are also on that list, with the 2 million hunters of this upland game bird. This status as a prey species has a profound impact on the fowl’s behavior, including roosting.
Roosting Behavior
It’s worth noting that most of the Wild Turkey’s predators are either crepuscular or nocturnal animals. Whether they’re active at dawn, dusk, or night, it’s hunting at times when the turkeys are not. That fact leaves them vulnerable. Hence, turkeys roost in trees to give them the best chances of survival.
Remember that these birds are large animals, weighing in at up to 24 pounds or more. Therefore, the trees in which they roost must be equally as sturdy to support them. The size of a posse of turkeys varies during the year, from groups of bachelor gobblers to females with their young to flocks of mating birds. The point is that Wild Turkeys roost in gangs to stay safe.
The trees supporting them must be able to handle their collective weight.
Gathering in flocks gives Wild Turkeys several advantages. While they’re naturally wary, living in groups means more eyes and ears are alert to predators. These birds don’t see well at night, making being social essential for survival. It also impacts their behavior. Sometimes, Wild Turkeys will even defend their space, which also benefits these birds.
Using Roosts
Wild Turkeys will go high up on a tree to stay safe. That might not help a lot with a hunting Great Horned Owl, but it’s better than nothing when you’re a prey species. These birds also use trees as protection against the weather. While they will roost at night, they may also take to the trees if the conditions take a bad turn. Like most animals, they will seek cover even during the day if needed.
During the winter months, conifers are more desirable for roosting because of the cover they provide. However, Wild Turkeys often use the same trees once they’ve found a good one to use. The young will follow suit and roost in the same place.
Location and Type
You’ll often see roosting trees near a favored feeding spot. You can identify the one that the turkeys are using by examining the ground underneath the tree. Droppings and feathers are a dead giveaway. They are creatures of habit, with their days starting with the dawn and lots of vocalizing.
Final Thoughts
Wild Turkeys use roosting trees to their advantage. They provide ideal cover, whether it’s during the night or bouts of foul weather. The trees offer excellent camouflage to give turkeys the best protection when they are most vulnerable to predation.
Featured Image Credit: Piqsels
