Search Wildlife
≡
Wild turkey
Meleagris gallopavo
NatureServe conservation status
Global (G-rank): G5
State (S-rank): SNA
External links
Habitat
"The Merriam's turkey (M. G. MERRIAMI) is typically a mountain bird found in mature stands of ponderosa pine mixed with aspen, grassy meadows, and oak brush grading into pinyon pine and juniper. Typical summer habitat consists of large stands of ponderosa pine beginning at about 7,000 feet in elevation up to the spruce/fir zone as high as 11,000 feet. Winter habitat, consisting of ponderosa pine flats and individual ponderosa trees which extend down into the pinyon/juniper forests, is usually below 7,000 feet. Important turkey areas such as winter roosts, breeding territories, and brooding areas are usually associated with mature ponderosa pine trees and wet meadows. Large pines are critical as roosting and escape cover from predators such as coyotes and eagles. The Rio Grande turkey (M. G. INTERMEDIA) is found in cottonwood river bottoms often associated with oak brush and leafy green plants. Unlike the Merriam's subspecies, the Rio does not migrate up and down the mountain in response to seasonal weather changes" (UDWR Strategic Management Plan for Wild Turkey, 1998).
Food habits
"'Mast' plants such as pine nuts, juniper berries, and acorns are important food sources. A variety of grasses, weed seeds, and green, leafy vegetation are also eaten by turkeys. Sedges are important year-round food items where available. Large quantities of insects, particularly grasshoppers, are eaten during the summer" (UDWR Strategic Management Plan for Wild Turkey, 1998).
Reproductive characteristics
"Courtship activities begin in early spring, usually in April. The gobbling of the tom serves as a challenge to males and attracts females to his territory. One mature tom will mate with as many hens as he can attract. Nests are located on the ground near brushy cover. An average of 10 to 11 eggs are laid with the incubation period being 28 days. Young turkeys, called poults, require a protein rich insect diet typically found in open meadow areas. Poults are dependent upon the hen for protection, and roost on the ground for the first two weeks of life. Shortly after this, they develop the ability to fly and begin roosting in trees. Jakes (one year old male turkeys) seldom reach reproductive maturity unless there is an absence of mature toms in the flock. A portion of yearling hens, however, will mate and nest their first year" (UDWR Strategic Management Plan for Wild Turkey, 1998).
