What do they look like?Wild turkeys are very similar to the domesticated subspecies; however, wild turkeys are slimmer, have a smaller head, and have a longer neck and body. Their plumage is an overall rich brown. In shadows, turkeys look black, in bright sunlight, their feathers gleam with copper, blue, green, and mahogany. The female or hen is duller and her breast feathers end in a brown or buff band. The male's or gobbler's breast feathers are tipped in black. Gobblers stand about 2 ½- 3 feet tall and are about 3-4 feet in length. They can weigh up to 25 lbs. Hens are about half the size of males in height and weight. Gobblers have spurs, a sharp, bony spike on the back of each of their legs. They also have a rough, black beard that protrudes from its breast. The beard can grow up to 12 inches long. Hens do not have spurs and usually do not have a beard. The gobbler's head is bare, while the hens is covered with fine hair like feathers. A fleshy, pencil-like appendage called a caruncle dangles between the male turkeys eyes.
Where are they found?
Wild turkey can be found in every county of the state thanks in part to an intensive trap and translocation effort by the DNR Wildlife Division.
Once primarily thought of as an upland forest bird that needed expansive tracts of forest, the wild turkey in Maryland has proven to be quite
adaptable and more tolerant of human encroachment than previously thought. Wild turkeys in Maryland can be found in areas comprised of mature hardwood and pine forests as well as grassy fields.
What do they eat?
Adult turkeys consume mostly acorns, nuts, leaves, buds, seeds, and fruit. Young birds tend to eat mostly insects, snails, and spiders.
What other kind of turkeys live in Maryland?
The Eastern wild turkey is the only wild turkey found in Maryland. The ruffed grouse, Northern bobwhite quail, and ring-necked pheasent (Introduced) are related birds which live in Maryland.
I didn't know that!
Male wild turkeys have the ability to change the color of their head and neck to bright red, blue and white. During the breeding season,
the male turkey displays to attract females and to advertise dominance over subordinate males within the flock or their territory.
Drawing by: W.H. Henry
Photo by: Tom Darden