For many of us, Thanksgiving means getting together with family and friends for a big meal. For 50 million households, that means roast turkey. Most people know that the turkeys we eat are tamed versions of the wild turkeys we see or hear in the wild. But this made me wonder about wild turkeys. I found a number of interesting things about wild turkeys I didn’t actually know.
As a curious backyard birder, I’ve always wondered – do turkeys actually sleep in trees? That seems like such an odd behavior for a heavy ground-dwelling bird. But it turns out the answer is yes! Wild turkeys do in fact roost in trees at night.
In this article, we’ll explore the interesting reasons why turkeys take to the trees to sleep, how they manage to get up there with their bulky bodies, and what their nightly roosting routines look like. We’ll also bust some myths about turkeys sleeping in trees. So read on to learn the fascinating facts about this unusual turkey behavior!
Why Do Turkeys Roost in Trees?
Turkeys roost in trees primarily for protection from predators By sleeping off the ground, they are safer from coyotes, foxes, raccoons, and other ground predators that hunt at night.
Roosting in trees also helps turkeys avoid surprises from predators that rely on stealth and camouflage when hunting. Perched on branches, turkeys have a better vantage point to see danger coming compared to on the ground.
In addition, older, more experienced turkeys will choose roost sites near areas with plenty of escape routes. This way, if startled off the roost, the turkeys can quickly fly to safety.
Turkeys may also roost together in groups, known as flocks. There is safety in numbers, and many eyes watching for predators.
How Do Such Big Birds Get Up Into Trees?
With their large, heavy bodies, you might wonder how in the world turkeys manage to get up into trees. But believe it or not, wild turkeys are actually strong, adept fliers.
They use a technique called “burst flight” to quickly take off and fly up to their roost branches. To initiate burst flight, a turkey crouches down, spreads its wings, and with a powerful push of its legs, launches into the air. This burst flight allows the turkey to reach speeds up to 55 mph!
Their feet are also specially adapted for gripping and balancing on branches. Turkeys have long, sturdy middle toes and boot nails that latch onto the bark. This helps anchor them on their roost spot so they don’t fall off in the night.
Once seated on a large, stable branch, they puff up their feathers for insulation and fold their feet to stay warmer in colder weather.
When and Where Do Turkeys Roost?
Turkeys are creatures of habit and will reuse the same roost trees over and over. Mature trees like oaks, pines, and cottonwoods with large, horizontal branches are preferred roost sites. Evergreens are a go-to in the winter for shelter from the elements.
To reach their favorite roost trees, turkeys will often fly across rivers or open fields. Their flight speed allows them to traverse these spaces without tiring easily. Some agile turkeys have even been spotted flying over 5-foot fences!
In preparation for nightfall, turkeys will fly up to their roost about 1-2 hours before sunset. This gives them time to settle in safely before darkness falls.
On very cold nights, turkeys may roost together in a tightly packed group with up to 20 birds squished onto one branch! This communal roosting behavior helps conserve body heat.
Come morning, the turkeys stir at first light and fly down quickly to start their day foraging on the ground for food.
Common Myths About Turkeys Sleeping in Trees
Now that we know the facts about turkey roosting habits, let’s bust some common myths:
Myth: Turkeys are stupid and will fall out of trees when sleeping.
This is totally false – turkeys are excellent roosters and almost never fall. Their gripping toes allow them to balance easily. And they instinctively know to choose large, stable branches.
Myth: Turkeys roost in trees to stay dry when it rains.
Not true! Turkeys have water-resistant feathers that keep them dry. And being under the tree canopy doesn’t guarantee they’ll stay rain-free anyway. As mentioned, it’s all about predator protection.
Myth: Turkeys prefer sleeping on the ground.
While young poults under 4 weeks old do stay on the ground with their mother, mature turkeys always opt for roosting at night. The safety benefits of trees outweigh the comfort of the ground.
In Closing
Who knew that despite their ungainly proportions, turkeys are actually acrobatic avians well adapted for roosting high up in trees? Next time you spot a flock pecking around your backyard, look closely in the treetops at dusk and you might just glimpse them soaring up for the night. Their unique roosting habits are a fascinating example of animal behavior perfectly suited to their environment.
Other Turkey Tags
Adult male turkeys are called toms and females are called hens. Very young birds are poults and adolescents are called jakes.
The wild turkey’s bald head can change color in seconds with excitement or emotion. The birds’ heads can be red (pink), white, or blue.
Loud and Fast
One can hear a turkey gobble from at least a mile away, and they can run as fast as 25 miles per hour, which is about the same speed as a human track star.
Wild turkeys going up in the trees to roost
FAQ
How long will a turkey stay in a tree?
Why would a turkey be in a tree?
How do you keep turkeys from roosting in trees?
What do domestic turkeys sleep in?
Do turkeys sleep in the same tree every night?
Turkeys do not sleep in the same tree every night. They often roost in different trees to avoid predators that may be watching them. What Kind Of Trees Do Wild Turkeys Sleep In? Wild turkeys prefer to roost in trees with thick branches and foliage that provide good cover. They usually choose hardwood trees such as oak, hickory, and maple.
How do turkeys sleep?
According to All About Birds, turkeys sleep by roosting in trees. They fly into the lower limbs of trees at sundown and move from branch to branch to a higher roost spot. This debunks the myth that turkeys can’t fly.
Where do turkeys sleep in winter?
Wild turkeys love to sleep in trees during winter. Most times, they stay in areas where food is easily accessible. During the day, they hunt for food and rest up in the trees at night. Domesticated turkeys sleep in brooders in enclosed pens. They love sleeping in groups during winter for warmth and safety. Where Do Baby Turkeys Sleep?
Do turkeys roost in snow?
Turkeys will roost out of the snow whenever possible. During severe storms, they will stay in the trees, sheltering themselves from the weather as much as possible. Once the weather has calmed, they will continue to forage and browse for whatever foods they can find. Wild turkeys sleep in the branches of trees at night.
Do wild turkeys roost in trees?
Wild turkeys do take great care to keep themselves clean. To get rid of parasites and maintain healthy feathers, they regularly dust bathe, sun, and preen their feathers. What trees do wild turkeys prefer to roost in? Good roost locations include mature oak, beech, pine, and maple trees.
Why do turkeys eat different trees each night?
Each night, as the sun starts to set, turkeys will naturally seek out a tree to spend the night. Typically they move around during the day foraging for food so they may choose a different tree each night, depending on where they are when evening comes.