Wildlife of the James River - Wild Turkey

By Georgia Busch, JRA Intern

America has a tradition of distinguishing wildlife that has played important roles throughout history. One such animal was described as essential to early settlers’ survival and was used for peace-making during one very special meal. The Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) is a magnificent bird recognized for its traditional use during Thanksgiving, as well as an icon of pristine, wild nature.

The wild turkey species actually consists of five distinct sub-species. The Eastern wild turkey subspecies makes its home here in Virginia, including habitat along the James River. In fact, one particular location on the James, Presquile National Wildlife Refuge, was once called “Turkey Island” for its abundant population of Eastern wild turkeys.   

Males, known as gobblers or toms, can be as tall as four feet and weigh twenty pounds. At the base of the neck protrudes a flap of red or pink skin, known as wattles. Other gender characteristics include the prominent beards and spurs, used to display dominance. Females, known as hens, lack these features, but can grow just as tall, but weigh slightly less, between eight and twelve pounds. Wild turkey flocks are organized by pecking order and dominance is determined by fighting behavior.

Have you ever drawn a turkey by tracing your hand? Well that fantastic art activity depicts wild turkey breeding behavior! Breeding is elicited during spring because of extended daylight. Prior to breeding, gobbling, strutting and displays of that iconic tail feather pattern are all performed by toms during courtship. Hens lay clutches of ten to twelve eggs and incubate for about twenty-eight days. Poults, or juvenile wild turkeys, are bonded to their mother while hatching by listening to her soft clucking. Before leaving the nest, poults learn their mother’s alarm and communication clucks that are key to their survival.

However, poult survival is not quite so easy. Predators including snakes, skunks, opossums, raccoons, hawks, owls and foxes are threats. In addition, a growing loss of quality habitat became a problem in the 1900s. After the invention of the rocket net, wild turkey conservation groups have been able to safely capture and relocate threatened wild turkeys to more stable habitat. Wild turkey conservation efforts have helped increase population numbers from 30,000 in the early 1900s to over 7 million in North America today.

Here are more fast facts about wild turkeys:

·         A wild turkey is covered in 5000 to 6000 feathers

·         Wild turkeys can run at speeds of 25 mph and fly at 55 mph

·         Poults eat insects, berries and seeds

·         Adults eat acorns, berries, insects and even small reptiles

Gobble your way into the woods this season and listen for some turkey calls. To hear more, visit:

http://www.nwtf.org/all_about_turkeys/calling_tips.html