The striking image of a wild turkey, with its tail feathers fully fanned and chest puffed out, is instantly recognizable as the male’s grand courtship display. This elaborate performance, known as the strut, defines the spring breeding season. The question of whether female turkeys, or hens, engage in this behavior addresses a fundamental difference in how the sexes approach the annual mating ritual.
The Difference Between Strutting and Display
Female turkeys do not perform the elaborate, sustained courtship strut associated with the male. This behavioral difference is a result of sexual dimorphism, the physical and hormonal differences between the sexes. Male toms are heavily influenced by rising testosterone levels in the spring, which fuels their need to visually advertise their fitness.
While the male’s strut is a reproductive display, hens and even juvenile turkeys may occasionally exhibit similar postures for non-mating reasons. A hen might briefly raise her feathers or partially fan her tail to assert dominance over another female. However, this short, dominance-based display lacks the full physical commitment and constant vocal accompaniment of the male’s courtship performance.
Why Hens Do Not Strut
The male turkey’s strut is an energy-intensive advertisement designed to attract mates and establish a hierarchy. When a male is in full strut, his tail feathers stand completely vertical and spread into a semi-circle. He lowers his wings, dragging the primary feathers along the ground, which creates a distinct, audible sound.
Physical changes are immediate, including the engorgement of the snood and caruncles, causing the bare skin of the head and neck to shift to vivid shades of red, white, and blue. The strut is accompanied by specialized vocalizations, including gobbling to announce his presence, and the close-range “spit and drum” sound, a deep, resonant rumble. Hens do not possess the vibrant plumage, the prominent snood, or the hormonal drive needed to sustain this intense courtship behavior.
The Hen’s Role in the Mating Ritual
Instead of displaying, the hen’s role is selection, choosing the fittest tom from the pool of displaying males. Her appearance is cryptic, with dull brown and gray feathers that provide camouflage for nesting and raising young. The hen communicates her interest through subtle behaviors and specific calls rather than visual displays.
The female’s active participation involves soft, close-range vocalizations, such as yelps, clucks, and cutting. The yelp is a common locational call, while a rapid series of clucks, known as “cutting,” signals readiness to mate. Once a hen has chosen a mate, she performs the receptive posture, crouching low to the ground. This simple signal invites the male to approach and complete the breeding sequence.