The wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) is a large, highly social North American bird. Because they gather in groups for much of the year, many people wonder what the appropriate collective noun for such a gathering might be. The English language has developed unusual terms for groups of wildlife, and the wild turkey is a prime example of this nomenclature.
The Collective Nouns for Wild Turkeys
The most traditional collective noun for a group of wild turkeys is a “rafter.” This term is thought to originate from the bird’s habit of roosting high in trees or on barn rafters to avoid predators overnight. While “rafter” holds historical distinction, it is less frequently heard today.
The more generalized and commonly used term for any group of turkeys observed in the wild is a “flock.” This term is widely accepted as it is universally applied to groups of birds. Informal collective nouns, such as a “gang” or a “posse,” are sometimes used, reflecting the bird’s sometimes aggressive demeanor.
Differentiating Terms by Gender and Age
Nomenclature becomes more specific when the group’s composition is known. Adult males are known as Toms or Gobblers, and subadult males are called Jakes. These males often separate into all-male groups, frequently referred to as a “bachelor group.”
Female turkeys, known as Hens, typically form groups with their offspring, called Poult. A mother Hen with her young is known as a “brood.” Broods often combine with other hens and their young to form stable, all-female groups. Young females are sometimes called Jennies. The grouping structure is largely segregated by sex and age for most of the year.
Social Structure and Seasonal Grouping
Wild turkeys are social animals, and their structure shifts dramatically with the change of seasons, influencing the size and composition of their groups. Grouping provides safety through increased vigilance against predators and improves foraging efficiency. These groups operate with a distinct social hierarchy, which dictates access to resources and mates.
During late fall and winter, turkeys aggregate into their largest groupings, sometimes numbering up to 200 birds. These large winter groups, which combine hen broods and male bachelor groups, also serve a thermoregulatory purpose, allowing the birds to conserve heat.
The larger winter groups disperse as the breeding season approaches in early spring. Adult males establish small alliances, often consisting of two to four Gobblers, though only the dominant male performs the mating. Hens leave the large groups to nest alone once they have mated, focusing on incubation and the care of their Poult. This dispersal reduces competition for nesting sites.