Hi Paul,
I was working in the woods last fall and heard a boisterous, loud commotion a short distance away. Upon investigating, I saw a flock of wild turkeys in a mad frenzy ganging up on another turkey. Feathers were flying, and there was noisy squawking until the harassed turkey trotted off when he had enough. What do you think was going on?
– John
Hi John,
There may be a variety of reasons to explain the wild behavior you saw. Turkeys are highly social birds, and they form tight knit flocks the composition of which can vary with the season. In the fall when you observed this turkey fracas, most flocks consist of a successful hen with her brood now fully grown. Young turkeys remain with their mother up to four or five months. This long association is an essential learning process and results in a close bonding within the flock. Intruders will not be treated kindly.
Each flock has a pecking order that is strictly enforced.
Some wild turkeys have been seen attacking their reflection in a shiny surface, thinking they were combating another turkey. Wild turkeys can be vicious fighters. The toms have spurs on the back of their legs, and they know how to use them.
There are now about 40,000 wild turkeys in New Hampshire, a conservation success story. The spring turkey hunting season in our state when a bearded gobbler can be taken, is now in progress and will continue until May 31.
Do you think this flock of turkeys was being fed?Feeding wild turkeys can cause them to display aggressive territorial behavior and may bring a problem home to roost.
These are some of my responses to your question. Continue to enjoy your work in the woods where you will witness many unusual events, such as a wild turkey brawl.
Do you have a nature question for Paul? Of course you do! Send it to news@theconcordcordinsider.com. We'll get it to him!
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