Turkeys
Statement
Among the birds of North America, it could be argued that few rival the showmanship
and vibrant plumage of the wild turkey. The unmistakable gobble and showy tail fan
of the tom turkey indicate competition to pass on its genes to the next generation.
To many people, the sight of strutting gobblers, as males vie for the attention
of hens, is an unforgettable scene in spring.
This scene was nearly lost when over-hunting greatly reduced the number of Rio Grande
wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo intermedia) in the late 1800s. By 1920, much of
the population was extirpated over its original range and the number of turkeys
in Texas fell to approximately 100,000 birds.
At that time there were few restrictions on harvest and little understanding of
the bird’s biology and habitat requirements. Through harvest restrictions and restoration
efforts, Rio Grande wild turkey numbers rebounded across Texas and the United States.
In Texas and other states, turkeys were restored primarily by trapping and transplanting
them from their stronghold in the Edwards Plateau and southern Texas.
Surprisingly few studies have evaluated the biology and life requirements of Rio
Grande wild turkeys, which prompted the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to partner
with university investigators to examine Rio Grande wild turkey populations in different
regions of the state.
Turkeys in Texas are divided among three subspecies (Eastern, Rio Grande, and Merriam’s),
each occupying different ranges. An understanding of the life history, population
dynamics, habitat requirements, and general management of the Rio Grande wild turkey
will help land stewards enhance habitat to benefit this bird and many other wildlife
species.
Current Projects
There are many recently completed and ongoing projects that examine the biology
and management of Rio Grande Wild Turkey conducted by faculty Texas A&M University.
Specific topics include: reproduction, nesting ecology, nest predation, estimation
of turkey population size, and factors influencing turkey abundance.
Website
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Of the three subspecies in Texas, which one is most numerous?
A. The Rio Grande wild turkey is the most numerous and has the
widest range of the three subspecies in Texas. Only a small pocket of Merriam’s
wild turkeys can be found in deep western Texas near the New Mexico border. Eastern
wild turkeys are making a rebound now, with population reintroductions. Historically,
the range of eastern birds was generally from the Trinity River and eastward.
Q. Is it true that only toms (males) have beards?
A. Both toms (males) and hens (females) can have beards. However,
the occurrence of bears on female is not common. Beards are modified feathers that
extend from the body about where the neck meets the breast. Beards on hens are usually
much shorter and more sparse that those on toms.
Q. Do turkey hens nest in trees?
A. No. Turkey hens nest on the ground instead of in trees. Nest
sites vary, and usually consist of a small bowl scraped from the ground and are
about the size of large dinner plate. Clutch size ranges from 8-16 eggs, but the
average size consists of 10 eggs. Incubation starts when the last egg is deposited
in the nest and continues for about 28 days.
Q. How important is water to wild turkeys?
A. Wild turkeys obtain water in three forms—free water, metabolic
water and performed water. Free water (drinking water) is surface water taken from
ponds, creeks, water troughs and similar sources. Metabolic water is derived when
foods are broken down (digested) into their chemical components. Performed water
is liquid that is bound within the food itself (e.g., succulent leaves). Turkeys
will drink from standing water sources, but hens and poults that are feeding on
succulent plants and insects may derive adequate water from food items.
Q. What do turkeys eat?
A. It is not surprising to find that the diets of Rio Grande wild
turkeys are broad, given their widespread distribution across Texas and the U.S.
Green foliage and seeds from grasses and forbs (weeds), mast, and animal matter
are all important components in the diets of these birds.