What Do You Call a Group of Turkeys?

Turkeys are a familiar bird that many of us see around Thanksgiving But have you ever wondered what you call a group of turkeys? As it turns out, there are several different terms used to describe a group of these large, social birds.

A Flock, Raft, or Gang

Some of the most common terms used for a group of turkeys are “flock”, “raft”, and “gang”.

A flock simply refers to a group of birds, so this is a very general term that can be used for many species. Flock is commonly used when referring to a group of turkeys.

A raft is a more specific term used to describe a group of turkeys This comes from the way a large group of turkeys will often float together on the water, resembling a raft.

Gang is another fun term used to talk about a group of turkeys. Young male turkeys tend to form gangs together, so this refers to those juvenile groups.

So if you see a large gathering of turkeys together, you could refer to them as a flock, raft, or gang. All would be correct!

Other Creative Names

In addition to the most common terms of flock, raft, and gang, there are some other creative phrases used to describe groups of turkeys:

• A “gobble” of turkeys – Gobble refers to the distinctive gobbling sound male turkeys make.

• A “crop” of turkeys – This refers to a group that feeds together.

• A “dole” of turkeys – An old term used to describe a group brought as a gift.

• A “rascal” of turkeys – Rascals refers to the young juvenile turkeys.

• A “bouquet” of turkeys – Bouquet compares the group to a pretty bouquet of flowers.

So feel free to get creative if you want to jazz up your description of a group of turkeys! A gobble or bouquet of turkeys sounds much more fun than a plain old flock.

Why Do Turkeys Gather in Groups?

Turkeys are highly social birds that naturally form groups. Here are some of the main reasons wild turkeys congregate in flocks and rafts:

• Safety in numbers – Being in a large group helps protect turkeys from predators like coyotes, foxes, and birds of prey.

• Food foraging – Turkeys can find food more efficiently by foraging together in a group that covers a large area.

• Mating – Male turkeys gather together to attract females and perform mating displays.

• Migration – Some populations migrate together from northern ranges in winter to more southern climates.

• Juvenile groups – Young turkeys form gangs and rascal groups for protection and companionship.

So gathering in flocks or rafts works to the advantage of turkeys for protection, feeding, mating, migration, and raising young. Their social nature makes grouping up a beneficial behavior.

Turkey Group Sizes

Turkey flocks can range dramatically in size depending on the subspecies, habitat, and time of year. Here are some turkey flock sizes you may encounter:

• Small flocks – During spring and summer mating season, flocks tend to be smaller, often 8-12 birds.

• Large flocks – In fall and winter, flocks join together and can number over 100 birds.

• Mega flocks – In migratory populations like the Eastern wild turkey, flocks of several hundred to over 1,000 birds can congregate!

• Harems – Male mating flocks are called harems, often with 1 dominant male and 4-5 females.

• Juvenile gangs – Young turkey flocks are smaller with usually less than 20 birds.

So the time of year and habitat plays a big role in determining the size of turkey groups, which can range from small harems to huge migratory mega flocks over 1,000 strong!

Roosting Behavior

One fascinating aspect of wild turkey flocking behavior is their evening roosting habits. Turkeys gather together into flocks at dusk and collectively roost in trees for the night.

Turkeys prefer to sleep on tree branches 15-60 feet above ground. The advantages of communal roosting include:

• Safety from ground predators like coyotes and raccoons

• Warmth from huddling together on cold nights

• Social bonding by being near others all night

Dominant males compete for the safest roost sites on large, open branches. Juveniles and females roost on the thinner peripheral branches.

In the morning, the turkeys flutter down and break off into smaller feeding flocks throughout the day. Then they join together again to repeat the roosting behavior each evening.

Regional Differences

There are 6 recognized subspecies of wild turkey in North America. The various species show some differences in their flocking habits:

• Eastern – Forms the largest flocks up to 1,500 birds. Migrate in huge flocks.

• Rio Grande – More solitary but form medium flocks up to 100 birds.

• Merriam’s – Flock sizes around 15-20 birds on average. Smaller flocks.

• Florida – Flocks into medium sized groups around 100 birds.

• Gould’s – Rare subspecies. Flocks poorly documented but presumed smaller.

• Ocellated – Rainforest subspecies that forms flocks of 5-30 individuals.

So the Eastern subspecies is definitely the most social, congregating into enormous migratory flocks. Other types like Merriam’s and Gould’s form much smaller, looser flocks.

Terms for Other Species

While this article focuses on terms for groups of turkeys, many other bird species have unique names for their flocks too. Here are just a few fun examples:

• Crows – murder or horde
• Owls – parliament
• Swans – bevy or wedge
• Ducks – brace, raft, or paddling
• Starlings – murmuration
• Flamingos – flamboyance or stand

So next time you see a group of birds, look up what their flock name is. You may be surprised by some of the murderous, flamboyant, and parliamentary terms!

There are a variety of terms used to identify groups of turkeys, ranging from standard like “flock” to more colorful terms like “bouquet”. Their social nature leads them to congregate together for many advantages like protection, easier food foraging, mating opportunities, and communal roosting sites. Flock sizes vary based on region, habitat and time of year from small harems to enormous migratory flocks of over 1,000 turkeys! So next time you encounter a group of these large gamebirds, you’ll know exactly what to call them.