The turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) is a large North American bird native to the continent, known for its striking appearance and considerable physical dimensions. To understand the true size of a turkey, it is important to consider the typical standing height. This clarification of physical dimensions reveals a significant difference between the sexes and between wild and domesticated populations.
Standing Height: Toms Versus Hens
The standing height of a wild turkey, measured from the ground to the top of its head when alert, typically ranges from 23.6 to 31.1 inches (60 to 79 centimeters). This vertical measurement is heavily influenced by sexual dimorphism, meaning the adult male (tom or gobbler) is substantially larger and taller than the female (hen). When fully grown, toms can have a total body length ranging from 39 to 49 inches, while hens measure between 30 and 37 inches. The male’s long legs and neck contribute to a greater standing height, making them appear imposing when they stretch up.
Related Dimensions: Weight and Wingspan
The turkey’s height is only one part of its overall size, which is also defined by mass and wingspan. Adult wild toms typically weigh between 11 and 24 pounds, averaging about 17 pounds. Hens are significantly lighter, usually weighing from 5.5 to 11.9 pounds, with an average closer to 9.4 pounds. A mature wild turkey can have a wingspan ranging from 49.2 to 61 inches (125 to 155 centimeters), often exceeding its standing height. This wide span allows the large bird to achieve flight, often in short, powerful bursts up to 55 miles per hour.
Size Differences in Domesticated Breeds
The physical profile of a turkey changes when comparing the wild bird to its domesticated counterpart, such as the commercial Broad-Breasted White breed. Domesticated turkeys have undergone selective breeding to prioritize maximum weight and breast muscle development. This results in birds that are significantly heavier and bulkier than wild turkeys. While the standing height of a domestic turkey is similar to its wild relative (25.6 to 31.5 inches), their weight is dramatically different. Domestic toms can weigh over 44 pounds at market age, with a maximum recorded mass of up to 86 pounds. This extreme weight gain alters the bird’s biomechanics, making most mature commercial turkeys semi-flightless or completely terrestrial.