Turkeys are a common bird species, and distinguishing between individuals often involves identifying their sex. Like many animals, turkeys exist as both males and females, each fulfilling distinct roles.
Unveiling Turkey Genders
Male turkeys are typically referred to as “toms” or “gobblers,” while females are known as “hens.” These gender distinctions manifest in various observable ways, from physical appearance to behaviors and vocalizations.
Key Differences for Identification
Observing several distinct characteristics can help differentiate male and female turkeys. These include variations in their size, feathering, head and neck features, presence of spurs or a beard, and their unique vocalizations and behaviors.
Male turkeys are larger and heavier than females. An adult tom can weigh 15 to 30 pounds, while hens typically weigh between 8 and 12 pounds. This size disparity is often noticeable when both sexes are viewed together.
Feathering provides further clues. Toms display more iridescent plumage with metallic shades of bronze, green, and copper. Hens, conversely, tend to have duller, more camouflaged feathers, typically in shades of brown or gray, which helps them blend into their surroundings, especially during nesting. Male turkeys also possess a prominent tail fan, which they spread during display, a feature less pronounced or absent in females.
The head and neck areas offer several distinguishing features. Both sexes have fleshy appendages like the snood, caruncles, and wattles, but these are much more pronounced, larger, and vibrantly colored in males. A tom’s snood, a fleshy growth hanging over the beak, can elongate significantly during excitement or courtship, often turning bright red, white, and blue. Caruncles, the wart-like growths on the head and neck, and wattles, the fleshy growths under the chin, are also larger and more colorful in males. A hen’s head and neck features are typically smaller and less colorful, often appearing blue-gray with more feathers extending up the back of the head.
Another physical indicator is the presence of spurs, which are sharp, bony protrusions found on the back of a male turkey’s legs. These spurs can grow up to 2 inches in length and are used in dominance displays or fighting. Hens typically lack these spurs or have only very small nubs. Additionally, male turkeys often have a “beard,” a tuft of coarse, bristle-like feathers growing from their chest. While most adult males possess a beard that can reach substantial lengths, some hens can also have a beard, though it is usually thinner and less noticeable.
Vocalizations also vary between the sexes. Male turkeys are widely recognized for their distinctive “gobble,” a loud, rapid gurgling sound primarily used to attract hens and assert dominance. While hens can occasionally gobble, their vocalizations are generally softer, including clucks, purrs, and yelps, which they use for communication within the flock or with their young.
Behavioral displays further aid identification. Male turkeys perform an elaborate “strutting” display, particularly during the breeding season. During this display, the tom fans its tail feathers, puffs up its body feathers, and drags its wingtips along the ground, making itself appear larger to attract females and intimidate rival males. This characteristic strutting behavior is not typically observed in females, although hens have been known to strut occasionally to display dominance or in response to threats.