Wild turkeys exhibit a distinct nighttime routine. As dusk approaches, these birds seek elevated positions for their nocturnal rest. This behavior is a fundamental aspect of their survival, shaped by their physical characteristics and the presence of various nocturnal predators.
Preferred Roosting Locations
Wild turkeys select specific types of trees. They commonly choose tall, mature trees, such as oaks, pines, cottonwoods, sycamores, and maples, that offer robust, horizontal branches capable of supporting their weight, and these trees often feature wide, open crowns and can range from 40 to 50 feet in height. Turkeys frequently seek out locations with a clear understory beneath the roost, as dense brush can hinder their flight onto and off the branches. This open area also allows them to detect potential threats on the ground before flying down. In some regions, turkeys might even roost over water bodies, providing an additional layer of protection.
Strategic Safety in Trees
The primary reason wild turkeys roost in trees is to avoid ground predators. Animals such as coyotes, foxes, and bobcats pose a significant threat to turkeys on the ground. Turkeys possess poor night vision, making them particularly vulnerable if they remain on the forest floor after sunset. An elevated roost provides a secure vantage point, allowing them to detect danger and remain out of reach. While turkeys are capable of strong, short bursts of flight to ascend into trees, their ability to take off quickly from the ground at night is limited.
Nightly Roosting Behavior
As daylight fades, wild turkeys begin their journey to a chosen roost site, often gathering in the late afternoon, approaching these areas quietly and then flying up to sturdy branches. Turkeys frequently roost in groups, a behavior that enhances their collective safety through shared vigilance against threats. Once on the roost, they adjust their position, sometimes moving between branches, and may tuck their heads under a wing to sleep. In the morning, as light returns, turkeys will fly down from their roosts. Young turkeys, known as poults, start roosting in trees alongside their mothers when they are about two to four weeks old, a developmental milestone that significantly improves their survival rates.