Wild turkeys, native to North America, are present in Canada. Their presence marks a significant conservation success story, as these birds were once extirpated from Canadian lands. Dedicated re-establishment efforts have brought them back to thrive in various regions, highlighting their adaptability and effective wildlife management.
The Return of Wild Turkeys
Wild turkeys were historically present in Canada, but by the early 1900s, they had disappeared from the Canadian landscape. This extirpation was primarily due to extensive overhunting and the widespread clearing of their forest habitats for agricultural development. Early attempts at reintroduction using pen-raised birds proved unsuccessful, as these birds often lacked the survival instincts needed for the wild and were vulnerable to predators and disease.
A more effective approach, known as “trap and transfer,” began in the mid-1980s, marking a turning point for wild turkey populations in Canada. This method involved live-trapping wild turkeys from established populations in U.S. states and relocating them to suitable habitats within Canada. Collaborative efforts between provincial wildlife agencies and conservation organizations were instrumental in these reintroduction programs. This strategic re-establishment proved highly successful, leading to a rapid expansion of wild turkey populations across their former and new ranges.
Geographic Spread and Habitat
Wild turkeys are now found in several Canadian provinces, extending their range beyond historical boundaries. The Eastern wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) is established in southern Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec. The Merriam’s wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo merriami) subspecies can be found in southern British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and parts of Manitoba. In total, the Canadian wild turkey population is estimated to be around 450,000 individuals.
These adaptable birds prefer habitats that include mixed woodlands, open forests, and areas adjacent to agricultural lands. These environments offer dense cover for shelter and open spaces for foraging. During the breeding season, they utilize open pastures, agricultural fields, and areas near streams or rivers for abundant insects and seeds. In non-breeding seasons, they frequent mature forests of mixed hardwood and softwood for roosting, typically flying into trees at night to avoid ground predators. Their diet is varied, consisting of nuts, fruits, seeds, insects, snails, frogs, and crayfish.
Distinguishing Wild and Domestic Turkeys
Wild and domestic turkeys belong to the same species but exhibit notable differences due to centuries of selective breeding.
Wild Turkeys
Wild turkeys possess a distinct appearance characterized by dark, iridescent feathers, which provide effective camouflage in their natural environments. They have a leaner, more streamlined body with long legs, and their heads and necks are typically bare, adorned with red and blue fleshy growths called caruncles that become more vibrant during mating season. Behaviorally, wild turkeys are agile, wary, and capable fliers, able to achieve bursts of speed up to 55 miles per hour over short distances, and they routinely roost in trees for safety.
Domestic Turkeys
In contrast, domestic turkeys are most commonly recognized by their white plumage, a trait selectively bred to make residual pin feathers less noticeable after processing. They are significantly larger and heavier, with broad breasts and stockier legs, a result of breeding for maximum meat production. Domestic turkeys have largely lost the ability to fly due to their increased size and are less active and agile. They are primarily found in controlled farm environments, unlike their free-ranging wild counterparts.