Turkeys are fascinating birds, widely recognized for their distinctive appearance and sounds. While many people are familiar with adult turkeys, the specific terms used to describe them at various stages of life and by sex often spark curiosity. Understanding this specialized vocabulary provides a clearer picture of turkey biology and behavior. This article clarifies the nomenclature used for turkeys, from their earliest days to full maturity.
What to Call a Young Turkey
The most common term for a young turkey, regardless of sex, is a “poult.” This term applies from hatching until they are several months old, often around five months. Poults are born precocial, meaning they have their eyes open and can move independently shortly after hatching. They are also nidifugous, leaving the nest soon after birth.
Poults are small and rely on their mother for protection and guidance. Their diet primarily consists of protein-rich insects, supporting rapid growth. While “poult” is the standard term, less formal terms like “chick” or “turkeyling” might occasionally be used for very young birds.
Other Turkey Names by Age and Sex
As turkeys mature, their names reflect age and sex. A young male turkey, less than a year old, is a “jake.” Jakes typically weigh 12-18 pounds and may have a beard, a tuft of coarse feathers on their chest, shorter than six inches. Their fanned tail feathers often show central feathers longer than side ones, creating an uneven appearance.
A young female turkey, less than a year old, is a “jenny.” Jennies are smaller than jakes and lack the prominent beard and spurs.
As turkeys reach adulthood, their terminology shifts. An adult male turkey is a “gobbler” or “tom.” These males are known for their loud gobbling calls, used to attract females. Adult toms are larger, often weighing 18-25 pounds, and possess longer beards, sometimes exceeding seven inches, and sharp spurs on their legs used in dominance displays.
An adult female turkey is a “hen.” Hens are smaller than gobblers, typically half their size, and have duller coloration, which provides camouflage during nesting. They generally do not gobble, instead making softer clucks and yelps. While some hens can grow a beard, it is uncommon and usually much thinner than a male’s.