Turkeys are birds, known for their distinct vocalizations and complex social interactions. Many wonder if they hiss. Understanding their calls offers insights into their behavior and communication.
Understanding Turkey Sounds
Turkeys produce a sound described as a hiss. This sound is created by expelling air, rustling feathers, and puffing up their bodies, often accompanied by a “spitting” noise. The hiss is one of many sounds in a turkey’s vocabulary.
Beyond the hiss, turkeys vocalize in many ways. The most recognized sound is the “gobble,” primarily made by male turkeys to announce their presence and attract mates, especially during the spring breeding season. Hens also gobble, though it is less common. Another common sound is the “cluck,” which consists of one or more short, staccato notes used for general communication. Turkeys also “purr,” a soft, rolling call indicating contentment, often heard when birds are feeding.
Yelping is a turkey sound, delivered in a series of single notes. Hens use yelps to communicate their location or to gather their flock. “Cackling” involves three to ten irregularly spaced, loud notes, associated with flying up to or down from a roost. Additionally, turkeys make a “kee-kee” call, a three-note sound associated with lost young turkeys, though adults also use variations to reassemble scattered flocks.
Interpreting Turkey Communication
Turkey sounds serve specific purposes within their social structure. A turkey’s hiss is a warning or defensive sound, used when threatened or protecting its nest or young. This sound, combined with puffed-up feathers and an aggressive posture, signals to a threat to back away.
The loud gobble of a male turkey is a long-range call to challenge other males and signal his location to hens, playing a role in mating and territorial displays. Clucks are used for close-range communication, helping birds stay in contact. A soft purr indicates relaxation and well-being, often heard among feeding birds.
Yelps serve a communication, from a hen announcing her presence to an assembly call used to reunite scattered flock members. An excited yelp can indicate a state of arousal and may cause other turkeys to move. Cackling is a movement-related call, informing others of flight or location changes. The kee-kee call signifies being lost and is a call for reunion, while adults use it to reassemble scattered groups.
Safe Interactions with Turkeys
Encountering wild turkeys is increasingly common, and understanding how to interact safely with them helps. Avoid feeding turkeys, as this can cause them to lose their natural fear of humans and become bold or aggressive. Turkeys that become accustomed to human handouts may linger in smaller areas, leading to larger groups and issues.
If a turkey exhibits aggressive behaviors, stand your ground and act confidently rather than backing away. Making yourself appear larger by raising your hands or opening an umbrella can help deter the bird. Making loud noises or even spraying them with a hose can be effective in scaring them away. Maintaining distance and not cornering turkeys are important steps to prevent aggressive encounters.