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Wild Turkey Identification

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The Four Keys to ID

  • Size & Shape

    Wild Turkeys are very large, plump birds with long legs, wide, rounded tails, and a small head on a long, slim neck.

    Relative Size

    One of our largest and heaviest birds; smaller than a Trumpeter Swan; about twice the size (and four times as heavy) as a Ring-necked Pheasant.

    Relative Sizegoose or largergoose-sized or larger

    Measurements
    • Both Sexes
      • Length: 43.3-45.3 in (110-115 cm)
      • Weight: 88.2-381.0 oz (2500-10800 g)
      • Wingspan: 49.2-56.7 in (125-144 cm)

Regional Differences

Wild Turkeys in the Rocky Mountains tend to have whitish tips to the rump and tail feathers, whereas other populations have rusty or chestnut tail tips.