Overview
Turkeys at different locations thoughout the South Pacific have varying characteristics. Those found on Flinders Island are similar to Bronze domestics, except for being slimmer in the body. In New Zealand, birds appear to have originated from Mexico domestics and in New Caledonia, birds appear to be Rio Grande or hybrid decendants. Males are considerable larger than females with adult males sometimes exceeding 20 lbs. while hens average 8 to 12 lbs.. Adult males have spurs and beards while hens do not have beards or spurs, except on rare occasions. Both sexes have few feathers on the head and upper neck and have generally pinkish-red feet and legs. Males are more brightly colored than the females.
Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Bird
- Family
- Phasianidae
- Genus
- Meleagris
- Species
- Meleagris gallopavo
Habitat
Various Pacific islands where the bird has been introduced.
Diet
Omnivorous.
Behavior
Wild turkeys generally move a mile or two in one day depending on habitat and distance to food and water sources. The annual home range of wild turkeys varies from 370 to 1,360 acres and contains a mixture of trees and grass cover. Just like humans, turkeys talk to communicate. Their vocabulary consists of 28 distinct calls. Each sound has a general meaning and can be used for different situations. Male turkeys are notorious for their iconic gobble, which unlike other calls, is given with a fixed intensity. Roosting in trees in an important element in the life of a wild turkey. It is a life-saving technique because roosting in trees helps birds avoid ground predators. Poults begin roosting from about 14-28 days old, depending on the sub-species, location and temperature. Turkeys may use traditional roost sites night after night but they generally use different sites and move from tree to tree. Turkeys usually select the largest trees available and roost as hight in them as they can comfortably perch. In fair weather, hardwood trees are favored, while hemlocks offer good protection from harsh elements. During the fall and winter seasons, it's common for turkeys to be in the good company of their equals. You'll see grouops 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. Wild turkeys dust, sun and preen from a young age, about 2-4 days old. Dusting is usually a flock activity. A dust bath is part of a bird's preening and plumage maintenance that keeps feathers in top condition. Turkeys will flap frantically in the dirt to spread dust over their entire body. Doing so keeps feathers from becoming greasy or matted. Sunning and preening often follow a dust bath as part of their extensive grooming regimen. Sunning birds recline on one side and extend the upward wing and leg to expose a large surface area to direct sunlight. Birds sun for several reasons: to obtain heat as a way of regulating their body temperature, maintain feather health, dislodge feather parasites and for relaxation. Preening is a common bird behavior to keep feathers in good shape. Birds preen to remove dust, dirt and parasites from their feathers. They also align each feather in the optimum position relative to adjacent feathers and body shape.
Hunting
Hunted across its range.
Conservation Status
Listed as Least Concern by IUCN.