A turkey warning call is a specific vocalization made by wild turkeys to alert other turkeys to potential danger. Turkeys have a wide range of calls that they use to communicate with each other, including alarm calls, contact calls, and breeding calls. The warning call is one of the alarm calls used by turkeys when they sense possible threats in their environment.
What does a turkey warning call sound like?
The turkey warning call, sometimes referred to as a putt call, is a short, explosive vocalization that sounds like “putt-putt-putt.” It involves a series of quick, loud clucks that alert other turkeys that something is wrong. The putt call is often repeated multiple times in succession when turkeys spot a predator or perceive danger.
The vocalization has an abrupt onset and a staccato rhythm that makes it very distinct from other turkey vocalizations. The putts are delivered in sets of three to ten, getting slightly quieter by the end as the air runs out. This unique sound helps other turkeys identify the call as an alarm instead of another type of vocalization.
Why do turkeys make warning calls?
Turkeys make warning calls to notify other members of their flock that danger or a potential predator has been detected. Turkey flocks, especially hens with poults, maintain sentinel birds that keep watch over the flock as the rest of the turkeys go about their daily business like feeding, drinking, dust bathing, and resting.
Sentinel turkeys that become aware of a threat will begin emitting the putt call to signal danger to the flock. This prompts the other turkeys to stop what they are doing and look up to identify the source of danger. Hearing warning putts triggers a flight response in the flock so they can escape the area quickly.
Some key reasons turkeys issue warning calls include:
- Alerting to predators like foxes, coyotes, bobcats, and hawks
- Warning of humans getting too close
- Signaling that an unfamiliar animal has been spotted
- Indicating the presence of a neighborhood pet like a dog
- Letting the flock know a fellow turkey spotted a threat
The warning call reflects the vigilance of turkeys and their constant monitoring of the surroundings for anything that could put the flock in danger. Heeding the warning calls and fleeing is an important survival strategy for wild turkeys.
How do turkeys react to warning calls?
Turkey flocks will react in specific ways once a warning putt call rings out to signal danger:
- The turkeys immediately become alert and stop what they are doing.
- Their heads quickly raise up and they start scanning the area intently.
- The turkeys try to identify where the threat is coming from based on the sentinel’s line of sight.
- They may emit additional putts themselves to express alarm.
- The turkeys become still to listen closely to any further warning calls.
- If they spot the threat themselves, they may emit the putt call again.
- The flock often comes together into a tighter group in preparation for fleeing.
- Once the source is identified, the turkeys quickly move away from the threat as a cohesive group.
Their reaction time is quite fast once the warning goes out. The sudden putts elicit an immediate stress response in the flock, triggering their fight-or-flight reaction. The turkeys instinctively know the call means there is imminent danger and their best chance of survival is fleeing.
When are turkeys most likely to emit warning calls?
There are certain situations when turkeys are more likely to detect threats and emit warning putt calls:
- Brooding hens with poults are very sensitive to disturbance and quick to warn poults.
- During the breeding season when males are displaying and more territorial.
- When there is heightened predator activity in an area.
- If a flock senses it is being encircled by predators.
- When protective cover is sparse, making them more visible.
- In residential areas when people and pets get near.
- If turkey hunting is taking place in the vicinity.
Mother turkeys with poults are especially vigilant about emiting putts to warn their vulnerable chicks of danger. The flock relies on vocal signals to stay safe since turkeys have relatively poor vision compared to their excellent hearing. They are most attuned to the alarm call of the protective hens during the summer brood-rearing season.
Turkey warning call recordings
Here are some audio clips of actual turkey warning calls so you can hear what the characteristic putt vocalization sounds like:
[Audio clip of turkey putt call]
This is a classic example of the rapid putt call turkeys make when alerting to a threat. It has an explosive staccato sound made up of multiple quick clucks.
[Second audio clip of turkey putt call]
In this warning call recording, you can hear the urgency in the turkey’s vocalization as it alerts the flock repeatedly. The tempo remains fast and emphatic.
[Third audio clip of turkey putt call]
This clip illustrates how the putt call gets quieter toward the end as the turkey runs out of air. But the speed and repetition of the clucks maintains the signaling urgency.
Being able to distinguish the unique putt alarm call helps birders and hunters identify when turkeys have sensed possible danger nearby. This call means caution is warranted.
What are other turkey vocalizations and calls?
Turkeys have an impressive array of vocalizations beyond the warning putt. Here are some other common turkey calls and what they communicate:
Cluck
A low-pitched cluck is the most frequent call turkeys make to maintain contact with the flock and signal feeding or roosting.
Yelp
The high-pitched yelp call indicates alarm, fear, and distress. Yelping communicates panic.
Purr
A contented murmuring sound made while feeding and is thought to show satisfaction.
Gobble
The famous gobble is a male mating call that attracts females and asserts dominance.
Kee-kee run
High-pitched kee notes by hens signify alarm and the flock taking flight.
Spit and drum
A “spit” followed by rhythmic “drumming” of wings against the body made by males to threaten rivals.
What are the predators of wild turkeys?
There are a range of predators, both large and small, that turkey warning calls help flocks detect and flee from:
Mammal Predators | Bird Predators | Reptile Predators |
---|---|---|
Coyotes | Hawks | Snakes |
Bobcats | Eagles | Alligators |
Foxes | Owls | Crocodiles |
Feral dogs | Falcons | |
Opossums | Vultures | |
Raccoons |
Their main defenses against these predators are vigilance, warning others by vocalizing, and fleeing by running or bursting into flight. Mothers are very aggressive in defending vulnerable chicks and may use distraction displays, chase, and attack small predators that come near poults.
Conclusion
In summary, a turkey warning call, or putt, is a rapid series of clucks used to signal danger and alert a flock to potential threats. Sentinel birds detect predators and emit the putt call to notify others, triggering a swift reaction to avoid the hazard. This important alarm call helps keep turkey flocks safe in the face of constant predation pressure. The putt vocalization warns of imminent danger and tells the flock to immediately become alert, identify threats, and leave the area. Understanding turkey communication provides insight into their behaviors and survival strategies.