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Birds Eastern Wild Turkey,  The Wild Turkey, Meleagris gallopavo silvestrisis, is one of Vermont’s larger birds and is found throughout the state in deciduous woodlands with agricultural openlands nearby. Size/Description The male (or "tom" or "gobbler") has a black, brown and bronze color to the feathers and a naked head that is white, pink and blue. The tom has a beard, a tuft of longer feathers that dangles from the breast. [The tom does not molt the beard. Occasionally a female Vermont turkey will have a small beard.] The young offspring, called "poults", are colored like the females. A young male turkey is called a "jake"; a young female turkey is called a "jenny". Adult males weigh from 16 – 25 pounds; an adult female weighs from 9 – 17 pounds. Reproduction The male (tom or gobbler) is vocal during the month of April. One adult male will dominate a flock of females and younger males; only the dominate male typically mates in a given year. The female (hen) lays from 10 – 15 eggs over a period of 12 – 18 days; the eggs incubate for the next 28 days and hatch in late May or early June. The young are called poults and learn to stay close to the hen for their first summer, foraging for food during the day and roosting in trees each night. Turkeys have very good sight and hearing. Population/Distribution Driven to extirpation in Vermont in the mid-nineteenth century when farming and land clearing had reached its maximum, the Wild Turkey has made a great comeback with the help of wildlife management and the return to a primarily forested landscape at present. In the 1950’s, attempts to introduce “game farm” turkeys to the wild largely failed because the birds were several generations removed from their wild ancestors and simply could not survive on their own. Birds succumbed to poor feeding habits, predation, death during severe winters. In the early 1970’s, the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department worked with the New York State Conservation Department to trap and release birds in Pawlet and in Hubbardton. By 1973, the wild population was estimated to be 600 birds. Today, it is estimated that there are 35,000 healthy birds in Vermont. Behavior One can easily spot flocks of Wild Turkeys in large agricultural fields, on dairy farms, and even in backyards. Wild Turkeys are very wary in woodlands and can see in almost 360 degrees. If you see a Wild Turkey, it is often the case that the bird saw you first. In flock of birds, it is much more likely that one bird will notice the approach of a predator from any direction. The flock stays together by soft purring sounds; a loud “putt” sound alerts the flock that there is danger. Then the birds erect their necks straight up and, if sufficiently frightened, will scatter by running or by flying. A Wild Turkey can run 25 miles per hour; it can fly for short distances up to 35 miles per hour. Recovery The story of the Wild Turkey in Vermont is one of success whereby this species was able to make a complete recovery as its preferred natural habitat recouperated. The present day mix of woodlands and agricultural lands is even better habitat for Wild Turkey than what original European settlers found. - Deborah Benjamin  Habitat: Brushy areas near farm fields; young forests where food and shelter are available. Wildlife Observation Tips:
When in turkey habitat, listen for the vocalizations during Spring and early Summer. Throughout Summer and Fall, large flocks of families visit dairy farm fields to feed and sun themselves.
 Recommended Reading
Birdwatching in Vermont by Ted Murin and Bryan Pfeiffer. Publisher: University of New England Press, 2002. The Sibley Guide to Birds by David Allen Sibley. Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf, 2000. The Sibley Guide to Bird Life and Behavior by David Allen Sibley. Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf, 2001. The Atlas of Breeding Birds of Vermont edited by Sarah B. Laughlin and Douglas P. Kibbe. Publisher: Vermont Institute of Natural Science with University Press of New England, 1985. Birds of the Northeast by Winston Williams. Publisher: World Publications, 1989. This page was last updated on February 19, 2006 |
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Hazen's Notch Association l P.O. Box 478 l Montgomery Center VT 05471 l info@hazensnotch.org l 802.326.4799 |