Turkeys, like many bird species, exhibit clear differences between sexes. The idea that all turkeys are male is a misconception. Understanding these distinctions provides insight into their biology and social structures.
Turkey Gender Basics
Male turkeys are commonly referred to as toms or gobblers, while female turkeys are known as hens. This terminology applies to both wild and domestic turkey populations. Young male turkeys are called jakes, and young females are called jennies.
Identifying Male and Female Turkeys
Toms are generally larger and heavier than hens, with adult males typically weighing between 16 and 24 pounds, while females average 8 to 12 pounds. Male turkeys also exhibit more vibrant, iridescent plumage in metallic shades of bronze, green, or copper, especially during courtship. Hens, in contrast, have duller, less glossy feathers, usually in shades of brown or gray, providing camouflage during nesting.
The head and neck of male turkeys are bare and highly colorful, displaying shades of red, blue, and white that intensify with excitement. They feature prominent fleshy growths such as caruncles (bumpy protuberances), a snood (a fleshy appendage hanging over the beak), and a wattle (a fleshy flap under the chin). These structures are much less pronounced or absent in hens, whose heads are smaller and more feathered. Male turkeys also possess a “beard,” a tuft of coarse, bristle-like feathers protruding from their chest, and sharp spurs on the back of their legs.
Male turkeys are known for their loud, rapid “gobble,” primarily used to attract hens and assert dominance during the breeding season. Hens do not gobble; instead, they communicate through softer sounds like clucks, yelps, and purrs, used for general communication and with their young.
Distinct Roles in Turkey Life
Male and female turkeys play distinct roles in their life cycle, particularly concerning reproduction. Male turkeys engage in elaborate courtship displays to attract hens, which involve gobbling, strutting (puffing out their chest and fanning their tail feathers), and dragging their wings. These behaviors serve to demonstrate their health and vigor to potential mates. Males also compete with other toms to establish dominance, which influences breeding opportunities.
Female turkeys are primarily responsible for nesting, egg-laying, and raising their young, known as poults. After mating, hens will seek out nesting sites, typically shallow depressions in areas with dense cover. They lay a clutch of 10-12 eggs over a two-week period, incubating them for approximately 26-28 days. The hen remains on the nest, only leaving briefly to feed, and cares for the poults after they hatch, teaching them foraging skills and how to avoid dangers.