Wild turkeys roost by flying into trees to rest for the night. This serves as a defense against ground predators like coyotes, bobcats, and foxes, especially since turkeys have limited low-light vision. Roosting also conserves energy during cooler nighttime hours. Young turkeys, called poults, begin roosting in trees at two to four weeks old, once they can fly short distances.
Typical Roosting Schedule
Turkeys ascend to their roosts in the evening as dusk approaches, typically within the last hour before sunset. As the sun sets, a flock often becomes quiet and moves discreetly towards a chosen roost site after late afternoon foraging. They may fly into trees from an elevated position or run on flat ground for takeoff. Once in the branches, they adjust positions for comfort, often tucking heads under a wing to sleep as darkness descends.
In the morning, turkeys descend from their roosts around sunrise, with fly-down occurring 15 to 30 minutes after the sun appears. Their morning behavior contrasts with their quiet evening ascent, as increasing daylight signals the start of daily activities. Gobblers, or male turkeys, may vocalize from elevated perches before flying down, as this position improves the transmission of their calls. Turkeys choose tall roost trees with sturdy, horizontal branches and often a branch-free trunk to deter climbing predators. They also favor locations with clear ground underneath, allowing them to survey for danger upon landing.
Influences on Roosting Time
Several environmental factors influence turkey roosting times. Light conditions play a significant role. Overcast skies or dense fog can prompt earlier evening roosting or delay morning fly-down by about 20 minutes, as turkeys rely on sufficient light to detect predators.
Weather conditions also affect roosting times. Rain or strong winds might delay evening roosting by 15 to 30 minutes. During cold weather, especially in winter, turkeys may roost earlier to conserve body heat, often seeking shelter in evergreens or protected valleys. Conversely, a sudden cold snap can lead them to remain on the roost longer in the morning.
Seasonal changes, which dictate day length, are a determinant of roosting times. Shorter daylight hours in fall and winter result in earlier roosting (5:00 PM to 7:30 PM). Conversely, longer daylight periods in spring and summer delay roosting (7:00 PM to 9:00 PM). External disturbances, such as predators, can cause turkeys to seek roosts 20 to 30 minutes earlier for increased safety. Human activity and hunting pressure can further influence these patterns, leading to variations in preferred roosting locations and times.