Male turkeys produce a diverse range of sounds, particularly noticeable during the spring breeding season. Understanding these distinct calls helps in recognizing the presence and behavior of male turkeys.
Distinctive Male Turkey Vocalizations
The most widely recognized male turkey sound is the gobble, a loud, rapid, gurgling sound that can last about one second. Another common sound is the cluck, which consists of one or more short, staccato notes.
Male turkeys also produce a soft, rolling purr, often associated with contentment, particularly when feeding. A yelp is a basic turkey sound, frequently delivered as a series of single notes. While often associated with hens, male turkeys can also yelp, though their yelps tend to be deeper and coarser. The putt is a sharp, single note or a series of notes, generally signaling alarm. Finally, male turkeys create a soft, guttural drumming sound, sometimes accompanied by a “spit” sound, which is heard during strutting displays.
The Purpose Behind the Calls
Male turkeys vocalize, particularly during the breeding season. The gobble serves as a loud declaration to attract hens for mating and to assert dominance over other males. This call can travel considerable distances, signaling a male’s location and vigor.
The cluck helps male turkeys get the attention of other birds and can reassure an approaching hen that a male is nearby. A soft purr indicates contentment and is often heard when turkeys are feeding, to maintain contact within a flock. Yelps, while also made by hens, are used by male turkeys for communication, particularly outside of the spring breeding season, and can vary in meaning depending on context.
The sharp putt acts as an alarm, alerting other turkeys to danger. The drumming sound, often combined with a “spit” sound, is a guttural noise made by strutting males to attract hens and display dominance. This sound is heard during courtship displays.
Differentiating Male and Female Turkey Sounds
Distinguishing male turkey sounds from those made by females involves recognizing differences in pitch, intensity, and the types of vocalizations. The gobble is a male-specific sound, primarily produced by male turkeys, though some hens can occasionally gobble. Male gobbles are deep and robust.
Female turkeys, or hens, are known for a wider range of yelps, which are often higher-pitched and cleaner in tone compared to the deeper, coarser yelps that males can produce. Hens also frequently use clucks, purrs, and cutts to communicate, often in a softer or more erratic manner than males. While both sexes can make clucking and purring sounds, the context and intensity often differ, with males using them for broader communication or assertion, and females for contentment or flock cohesion.