Turkeys are opportunistic omnivores, meaning their diet includes both plant and animal matter, and grasshoppers are a regular and valued food source in the warmer months. This dietary preference is observed across both wild and domestic turkey populations, highlighting the insects’ importance in the birds’ nutritional profile. The consumption of grasshoppers is a fundamental part of the turkey’s foraging behavior.
Grasshoppers as a Key Protein Source
Turkeys seek out grasshoppers primarily for the dense concentration of protein and essential nutrients they provide. Grasshoppers contain a high percentage of crude protein (50 to 77% on a dry matter basis), which is necessary for tissue growth and feather development. This protein is particularly important for young turkeys, called poults, whose bodies require rapid development. Poults rely almost entirely on insects for their diet, supporting a higher survival rate in the wild.
Grasshoppers also supply beneficial fats and essential amino acids, which are the building blocks for muscle. Hens benefit from this nutrient-rich food source, especially during the breeding season when their bodies require additional energy to produce eggs. Consuming grasshoppers helps turkeys meet the high metabolic demands associated with growth, reproduction, and general maintenance. This natural protein supplement is far more concentrated than the plant matter available to the birds.
Turkey Hunting Behavior and Capture Strategy
Turkeys employ specific foraging behaviors to locate and capture grasshoppers. They are ground-oriented foragers, spending a significant portion of their day actively searching for food sources. A common strategy involves a scanning and pecking motion, where the bird visually searches the ground cover for movement.
Once a grasshopper is detected, the turkey often uses its feet to scratch through leaf litter or low vegetation, exposing the insect beneath. The rapid, focused peck of the beak then secures the prey. This hunting behavior is most effective in open areas with abundant insect life, such as fields, meadows, and forest edges. Young birds, especially, can be seen actively running and chasing grasshoppers across short grass.
Seasonal Availability and Broader Turkey Diet
Grasshoppers are a seasonal food source, which dictates when they constitute the largest portion of a turkey’s diet. Their presence is generally highest from late spring through the summer and into the early fall, coinciding with the turkey nesting and brood-rearing period. As grasshopper populations decline, the turkey’s diet shifts to reflect the availability of other nutrients.
The year-round diet of an adult turkey is diverse, incorporating plant material like seeds, nuts, and grains, collectively known as mast. While grasshoppers provide concentrated animal protein during warmer months, the winter diet consists primarily of hard mast like acorns and beechnuts. This opportunistic feeding pattern ensures the turkey maintains a balanced intake, transitioning seamlessly between protein-rich invertebrates and carbohydrate-rich plant foods.