Turkey (bird) - Wikipedia
WEBThe turkey is a large bird in the genus Meleagris, native to North America. There are two extant turkey species: the wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) of eastern and central North America and the ocellated turkey (Meleagris ocellata) of the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico.
How to Tell the Difference Between Male & Female Turkeys
WEBApr 23, 2018 · Turkeys, famed for their great size and native North American origin, can be easily distinguished by gender when they reach maturity. Females, or hens, are smaller and duller in color, with less prominent body features. Males boast a huge fanning tail, "beard" feathers and prominent appendages.
Wild Turkey Lifestyle and Breeding
WEBAug 16, 2021 · Hens become secretive while searching for a site to nest prior to laying eggs. Nests are shallow depressions formed by scratching, squatting and laying eggs. Moderate dense understory is preferred to allow hens a view, but also provide protection.
Wild Turkey Identification 101 - TN.gov
WEBHens. Hens are more brown in coloration and smaller in size than gobblers. They have a head that is more blue-gray in appearance, often with feathers continuing up the back of the head. Occasionally hens will have a beard, but it is …
The Wild Turkey Nesting Ritual
WEBMar 14, 2023 · As serious dating begins, female turkeys discreetly begin searching for a secretive nesting site. An interesting wild turkey fact is that a hen can be bred a single time and store the semen to efficiently fertilize an entire clutch of eggs.
Male vs Female Turkeys: Key Differences (With Pictures)
WEBFeb 19, 2024 · Wild Turkeys: Male vs Female. Hunting wild turkeys is a popular pastime in many parts of the country. However, in most places, it’s not legal to hunt female turkeys, known as hens. For this reason, it’s important to know how to tell the difference between hens and male turkeys, also called toms.
Wild Turkey Behavior - The National Wild Turkey Federation
WEBYou'll see groups of jakes, old and young hens and mature gobblers all sectioned out. The different flocks allow the birds to more easily determine dominance. In the spring, mating rituals begin. Learn more about the pecking order and breeding cycles on our Wild Turkey Lifestyle and Breeding page.
Wild Turkey Identification - All About Birds
WEBWhere to Put Your Bird Feeder. Living Bird Magazine Learn How to ID These 5 Confusing Streaked Sparrows. Most North American kids learn turkey identification early, by tracing outlines of their hands to make Thanksgiving cards.
Breeding, Hatching, and Brooding Baby Turkeys
WEBSep 18, 2023 · Our turkey hens started laying their second spring. They were about 10 months to a year when we first started seeing eggs. We raise heritage Black Spanish turkeys. It takes these heritage breeds a little longer to fully mature.
Wild Turkey - American Bird Conservancy
WEBMale turkeys are called toms or gobblers, while females are known as hens. On his chest, a tom has a tuft of modified, filament-like feathers called a beard, which continues to grow as the bird ages. Mature gobblers can have beards over nine inches long.