Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) - Goofy Gobbler
Did You Know?

Adult male turkeys are also known as Toms or Gobblers
and juvenile males are known as Jakes

The long fleshy bit over a turkeys beak is called a 'snood'

When a male turkey gets excited his head turns blue
Photo: S. Langley
Habitat - Wild turkeys inhabit hardwood and mixed forests that typically have scattered openings such
as pastures, fields and orchards. Forests with a high proportion of Oak, Hickory, Cherry and Beech are
particularly attractive to wild turkeys.
Size - Adult males can weigh anywhere from 5-11 kg and can range from 100-125 cm tall.
Range - Wild turkeys can be found throughout southern ontario year-round.
Status - S5, Secure
Identification:
Photo: 2013 Brian Popelier
Wild Turkeys are very large, plump birds with long legs, wide,
rounded tails, and a small head on a long, slim neck. They are
dark overall with a bronze-green iridescence to most of their
plumage. Their wings are dark, boldly barred with white. Their
rump and tail feathers are broadly tipped with rusty or white.
The bare skin of the head and neck varies from red to blue to
gray. Their distinctive 'gobble gobble' call is easily
recognizeable and they are also known to make sharp 'cackles'
as they fly and a purring sound as they travel on foot.
The Bruce Trail Conservancy | PO Box 857 Hamilton, ON L8N 3N9 | 1.800.665.4453 | [email protected]
Interesting Facts
Wild turkeys were entirely extirpated from Ontario until the 1980s, when the Ministry of Natural
Resources initiated a program to re-introduce them, mostly due to lobbying from hunters. The program
was such a success that their populations have been completely restored to almost all of their historical
native range.
Wild turkeys on the Niagara Escarpment
The wild turkey is a relatively common site along the Bruce Trail. With the Trail crossing generous
amounts of farmland that skirts forested areas, there is ample habitat within which to see this
exceptionally large bird. Keep your eyes open year-round on the Trail whenever there are large open
areas on which turkeys can forrage.
The Bruce Trail Conservancy is continually acquiring and protecting land along the Niagara
Escarpment, including winter foraging habitat that is perfect for the wild turkey.
The Bruce Trail Conservancy | PO Box 857 Hamilton, ON L8N 3N9 | 1.800.665.4453 | [email protected]