Strut Your Stuff! Central Florida's Wild Turkeys

As Thanksgiving approaches, turkeys start taking center stage – in grocery store displays, dinner menus, and classroom crafts. But beyond the holiday hustle, wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) roam Florida’s forests, pastures, and wetlands year-round, playing a vital role in our state’s natural ecosystems.

A CLOSER LOOK AT THE WILD TURKEY

Florida is home to two of the five subspecies of wild turkey found in North America: the Eastern subspecies, which is common across the Panhandle and northern counties, and the Osceola subspecies, found only in peninsular Florida. The Osceola subspecies is slightly smaller and darker in appearance than the Eastern, with less white barring on its wing feathers.

Wild turkeys are large, ground-dwelling birds that can weigh up to 20 pounds. Males (toms) sport beards – tufts of hairlike feathers protruding from their chests – and fleshy flaps of skin on their throats (known as wattles) that change color depending on mood or mating season. Though they may look awkward, wild turkeys are surprisingly agile, capable of running up to 25 mph and flying short distances at speeds of 50 mph.

In Central Florida, wild turkeys use a mosaic of habitats throughout the year, from thick forests to open, shrubby fields. These birds are omnivores, and their diets encompass a broad spectrum of insects, berries, fruits, nuts, seeds, and vegetation. Their habitats must support a similarly broad array of food sources, so a variety of plants that produce or attract each of their diet components is key!

MORE THAN JUST A MEAL – WHY WILD TURKEYS MATTER

Wild turkeys are more than just an interesting sight – they’re an indicator of healthy, functioning native habitats. Because they require such a diversity of cover and food types to meet their needs throughout the year, the presence of turkeys often signals that a property or landscape supports a balanced, native plant community, with an abundance of insects and other small critters.

Additionally, wild turkeys are prey for native predators like bobcats and coyotes, while also helping to balance insect and plant populations. They function as both consumers and prey in our complex food webs, providing support for the entire ecosystem.

THE SCIENCE BEHIND THESE STRUTTERS

UF/IFAS and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) continue to support long-term research on wild turkey populations and habitat management. Much of this work focuses on how land use changes – such as fire suppression, urbanization, or invasive plants – impact nesting success and population trends.

The wild turkey is actually a conservation success story. Though they may seem common, sometimes even working their way into neighborhoods or urban parks, these birds were once facing extinction. Throughout the 1800s, they were overhunted and experienced intense habitat degradation, and some estimates suggest that by the early 1900s wild turkey populations had declined by 90%.

Conservationists realized that something had to be done, and through strict hunting regulations, relocation, and habitat enhancement, the wild turkey population was brought back from the brink across the United States. These birds are now found in every state except Alaska. Yes, that means there are even turkeys in Hawaii, though they are not native to the islands.

One major goal in continuing to conserve wild turkey populations is improving habitat quality on both public and private lands. For example, prescribed fire is a valuable tool for encouraging diverse, insect-rich habitats for wild turkeys. Other research examines how roads, fences, and fragmented landscapes may impact turkey movement and survival.

Understanding these dynamics is essential not only for sustaining turkey populations, but also for ensuring that private and public land managers have the tools they need to support healthy habitat for turkeys and other wildlife.

GOBBLE-WORTHY FUN FACTS

· WILD TURKEYS SLEEP IN TREES

Wild turkeys roost in tall, mature trees at night to avoid predators, and fly down every morning to begin their day!

· COLOR-CHANGING HEADS

A tom’s head and wattle can shift between red, white, and blue, typically in response to excitement or during courtship displays.

· A SPRINGTIME DISPLAY

While male turkeys are often shown in Thanksgiving imagery, their courtship displays actually take place during the spring. In order to attract a mate, toms will puff up their feathers (strutting), gobble, and spin around, putting on the best show they can for the ladies!

GIVING BACK THIS THANKSGIVING – WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP

Central Floridians can play an important role in protecting these fascinating birds and the habitats they depend on. Here are a few simple ways to make a difference:

PRESCRIBED FIRE AND HABITAT MANAGEMENT

If you own property, reach out to your local UF/IFAS Extension office or FWC about using fire or other techniques to improve wildlife habitat.

LOOK OUT FOR INVASIVE PLANTS

Non-native species like cogongrass or Caesarweed can choke out the native plants that turkeys rely on to produce the necessary diversity of food. Reach out to us at UF/IFAS Extension for information on how to manage these plants on your property!

DRIVE CAREFULLY IN RURAL AREAS

Road crossings are a major cause of turkey mortality. Slowing down and keeping an eye out, especially near dawn or dusk, can help them cross safely!

GET INVOLVED IN CITIZEN SCIENCE

Each year, FWC conducts a Wild Turkey Summer Survey that helps estimate statewide populations. Anyone can fill out a survey, and you can submit a response any time you see a turkey!

This November, take a moment to appreciate the wild turkey not just as a meal, but as a living symbol of Florida’s rich and resilient ecosystems. With mindful stewardship and community support, we can ensure these birds remain part of our landscape – and our holiday traditions – for generations to come.

For more information, please reach out to us at UF/IFAS Extension Polk County or directly to our office via email (scarnevale@ufl.edu). Looking for ‘learning on the go’? Check out the turkeys episode (Season 4, Episode 12) of Naturally Florida, available on all major podcast platforms.