The wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) is an adaptable forager whose diet shifts with seasonal availability. They consistently seek out high-quality vegetation to fuel their active lifestyle. Understanding whether clover figures into this diet is key to understanding the bird’s nutritional ecology.
Turkeys and Clover: A Dietary Staple
Turkeys readily consume clover, which is a palatable and nutritious component of their diet. They typically locate this food source in open areas, such as agricultural fields, forest clearings, and along wooded edges, where sunlight allows clover to thrive. Clover is a forb—a broad-leafed herbaceous plant—and is a preferred food group for turkeys, especially when the plants are young and tender.
The Nutritional Benefit of Clover
Clover offers specific nutritional advantages that support the physical demands of the wild turkey. As a legume, clover is naturally high in protein, sometimes reaching 30% in certain varieties. This high protein concentration is valuable for hens during egg production and supports the rapid growth of muscle tissue and feathers in newly hatched poults. Clover also provides essential vitamins and minerals, contributing to overall health and strong bone structure. Furthermore, clover fields attract insects, which indirectly supply turkeys with additional protein, fat, and calcium.
Preferred Clover Types and Foraging Behavior
Turkeys exhibit preferences for certain types of clover based on growth habit and leaf texture. White clovers, such as Ladino and White Dutch varieties, are highly favored due to their lower, more succulent growth. Ladino clover is particularly attractive because it stays green longer into the summer. Red clover is also consumed, though it may be less attractive depending on the stage of growth, moisture content, and stem thickness.
Turkeys consume the soft leaves and flowers, clipping the plant close to the ground. Their foraging method involves pecking at the foliage and scratching the soil surface. This scratching helps them find new sprouts and exposes soil-dwelling invertebrates, which provide supplementary nutrients.
Seasonal Availability and Food Plot Implications
Clover consumption peaks during the spring and early summer when fresh growth is abundant. This timing coincides with nesting and brood-rearing, making the newly grown clover a resource for hens and poults when other vegetation is still emerging. The plant remains important throughout the year, acting as a fallback food source in late fall and early winter if snow cover is minimal.
Food Plot Management
Land managers frequently utilize this preference by planting clover in food plots. These perennial plots provide sustained forage and attract the insects that poults rely on. Establishing clover plots creates reliable feeding and brooding areas that can persist for several years with proper maintenance, such as mowing or herbicide application. Planting clover along field edges or in small clearings maximizes its attractiveness to turkeys, who prefer to feed near cover.