The belief that turkeys drown by staring up at the rain is a widely circulated myth. This idea often stems from a misunderstanding of turkey behavior and their physical adaptations. Turkeys possess natural mechanisms that protect them from the elements and exhibit behaviors that contradict the notion of them drowning in rainfall.
The Widespread Belief
A common anecdote suggests that turkeys are so unintelligent they will stare skyward during a rainstorm, allowing water to fill their nostrils and drown them. The story often includes descriptions of the birds with their beaks open, seemingly transfixed by the falling rain. This anecdote has contributed to a popular misconception about turkey intelligence and their ability to survive in various weather conditions.
The Truth About Turkeys and Rain
Turkeys do not drown in the rain. Wild turkeys have survived countless rainstorms, demonstrating their natural resilience. Their feathers are designed with natural waterproofing.
Turkeys possess a uropygial gland, located at the base of their tail, which secretes an oily, waxy substance. During preening, turkeys spread this substance across their feathers using their beaks, creating a protective, water-repellent layer. This natural oil causes water droplets to bead up and roll off, preventing the feathers from becoming saturated and the bird from becoming waterlogged.
Furthermore, turkeys instinctively seek shelter during heavy precipitation. They may remain on their roosts during rainfall or move to areas with dense tree cover to protect themselves. If caught in the open, they frequently shake themselves to shed water, which helps maintain their body temperature. While heavy rain can pose risks like hypothermia, direct drowning from looking up is not a documented cause of mortality. Turkeys also primarily breathe through their nares (nostrils), not their mouths, making it physiologically unlikely for their lungs to fill with rainwater by simply looking up.
Debunking the Myth: Understanding Turkey Behavior
The persistence of the drowning myth may stem from observations of specific turkey behaviors that are misinterpreted. Turkeys can sometimes be seen looking upwards, a behavior that might be mistaken for staring blankly at the rain. This skyward gaze can be attributed to several factors. For instance, a rare neurological condition known as tetanic torticollar spasms can cause turkeys, particularly domesticated breeds, to involuntarily tilt their heads back. This genetic condition, not a reaction to rain, causes an abnormal posture that could be misconstrued as a bird being overwhelmed by precipitation.
Another reason for looking up might involve their monocular vision, where their eyes operate independently, allowing them to view two different things simultaneously. This visual characteristic sometimes causes them to tilt their heads to improve their perception of surroundings, which could include looking towards the sky. Additionally, wild turkeys exhibit caution in rain, often seeking open fields where visibility is better and they can more easily detect predators, as the sound of rain can mask auditory cues in dense foliage. This behavior in open areas may contribute to the misconception that they are standing idly.