The male turkey, or tom, is widely recognized for his dramatic courtship display, where he puffs his body feathers, fans his tail, and struts to attract mates. This highly visible behavior is an instinctual performance designed to show off health and vigor. This display often leads observers to wonder if the female turkey, known as a hen, exhibits a similar type of “puffing” behavior. While hens do not engage in the full, elaborate courtship ritual of the tom, they are capable of displaying a modified version of this behavior.
Yes, But Differently: Hen Display Behavior
Female turkeys exhibit a form of display behavior, though it is far less frequent and intense than the male’s full strut. This action generally involves the hen ruffling her body feathers slightly to appear larger and more imposing. She may also partially spread her tail feathers and slightly droop her wings, a subtle imitation of the male’s movements.
Unlike the male’s routine, seasonal performance, the hen’s “puff” is a brief, situation-specific reaction. It is typically not a slow, deliberate strut but a quick visual signal of agitation or assertion. The hen’s display is often overlooked because of its subdued nature and the lack of the male’s vibrant plumage.
Behavioral Context: Why Hens Puff Up
The motivation behind a hen’s display is not courtship, but the assertion of social rank within her flock. Turkeys live within established social hierarchies, often called a pecking order, which dictates access to resources. The display acts as a non-physical challenge, reinforcing dominance among a group of females.
Hens may also puff up to show aggression or dominance toward younger or lower-ranking birds, particularly during the non-breeding season when flocks are larger. This behavior serves to maintain order and limit conflict by visually communicating a threat. A hen may also display when defending her poults against a perceived threat, using the temporary increase in size to intimidate a predator.
Visual Differences Between Tom and Hen Displays
The visual difference between the male’s strut and the female’s display is significant, explaining why the hen’s action is less recognized. The tom’s full display involves fanning his tail feathers into a near-perfect circle, possible because his tail feathers are uniform in length. He lowers his wings so the primary feathers drag audibly on the ground, and his bare head and neck skin flash vibrant colors like red, white, and blue due to rapid blood vessel constriction.
The hen has duller, camouflaged brown and gray feathers, and her uneven tail feathers prevent a full, symmetrical fan. Her head is feathered and lacks the prominent, color-changing snood and wattle of the male. While the male accompanies his strut with a booming gobble and a distinct spit-and-drum sound, the hen’s display is silent or accompanied only by typical vocalizations, like a cluck or yelp.