Wild turkeys are large, heavy birds that do not seem well-suited for flight. However, they are capable of brief flights to escape predators or reach roosting areas. Wild turkeys cannot sustain long flights like birds that migrate annually. Their wings are designed for short bursts of speed and maneuverability rather than soaring.
In this article, we will examine the flight capabilities of wild turkeys in detail. We will look at how their bodies and wings are adapted for flying short distances, how far and fast they can fly, how they take off and land, and how their flight ability compares to domesticated turkeys. Read on to learn all about the remarkable flying skills of wild turkeys!
Wild Turkey Body and Wing Structure
Wild turkeys have several adaptations that allow them to fly short distances:
Lightweight Bones
Wild turkeys have pneumatic bones that are hollow and filled with air sacs. This makes their bones lighter and reduces overall body weight. The lighter skeleton helps offset the weight of muscles and feathers. Domestic turkeys have heavier, solid bones which makes sustained flight more challenging.
Large Wingspan
The wingspan of a wild turkey ranges from 4.5 to 5 feet. The large, broad wings provide more lifting force with each flap. The wingspan also allows wild turkeys to brake quickly when landing.
Powerful Breast Muscles
Wild turkeys have strong breast muscles which power the downstroke of the wings. The pectoralis major and supracoracoideus provide the force needed for takeoff and continued flapping. Domestic turkeys have smaller breast muscles.
Large Tail
The fan-shaped tail of a wild turkey acts as a rudder while in flight. The tail feathers spread widely to provide stability and steering.
Dense Feathers
Wild turkey feathers have stiff quills and dense, interlocking barbs. This creates a strong but lightweight airfoil surface for efficient lift. The feathers act as effective ailerons, elevators, and air brakes.
Wild Turkey Flight Speed and Distance
Given their body structure, wild turkeys are capable of bursts of relatively fast, agile flight:
Speed
Wild turkeys can fly at speeds up to 55 mph over short distances. This rapid speed allows them to escape predators quickly.
Distance
Wild turkeys usually fly less than 100 yards at a time. Their heavy bodies and wing design do not allow sustained long-distance flight. During flight, wild turkeys rapidly beat their wings 3 to 4 times per second.
Turkeys in Flight | Speed | Distance |
---|---|---|
Takeoff | Up to 20 mph | First 20 yards |
Sustained Flight | 40-55 mph | Up to 100 yards |
Landing | 15-20 mph | Last 20 yards |
Altitude
Wild turkeys generally fly low to the ground. They typically do not fly higher than tree-top level, staying under 100 feet altitude. Their flight is typically direct and straightforward rather than gaining loft and height.
Wild Turkey Takeoff and Landing
Wild turkeys have techniques and preferences for taking off and landing:
Takeoff
Wild turkeys often prefer running and flapping on the ground over 20 yards to gain speed and lift for takeoff. They can also take off directly from a standstill. For a standing takeoff, they crouch low, flare their tail feathers, rapidly beat their wings, and push upwards with their legs to become airborne.
Landing
When approaching landing, wild turkeys angle their wings forward and spread their tail feathers to act as air brakes. They extend their feet forward and spread their toes to create drag and slow their landing. Wild turkeys are adept at maneuvering their bodies in-flight to land on fence posts, tree branches, and other elevated perches.
Comparison to Domestic Turkeys
Domestic broad-breasted turkeys have lost much of their ancestral flight capability due to selective breeding. Here are some key differences:
Body Size
Domestic turkeys are much heavier, weighing over twice as much as wild turkeys on average. The increased body weight makes flight more difficult.
Wing Span
Domestic turkeys have a narrower wing span of around 3.5 to 4 feet compared to over 4.5 feet for wild turkeys. The shorter wings provide less lift.
Breast Muscle Mass
Selective breeding has increased breast muscle size in domestic turkeys for more white meat. However, the proportionately larger breast muscles inhibit flight ability.
Bone Density
Without the evolutionary pressure for flight, domestic turkeys have denser bones compared to the pneumatic bones of wild turkeys. The heavier skeleton contributes to decreased flight capability.
Measure | Wild Turkey | Domestic Turkey |
---|---|---|
Average Weight | 13 lbs | 30 lbs |
Wingspan | 4.5-5 ft | 3.5-4 ft |
Breast Muscle % of Body Weight | 18-21% | 25-35% |
Bone Density | Pneumatic | Solid |
Flight Ability
With their heavier bodies, reduced wingspans, overdeveloped breast muscles, and dense bones, domestic turkeys are generally unable to fly or can only fly for very short distances of a few yards at most before crashing awkwardly to the ground. They may flap or hover briefly, but sustained flight is difficult if not impossible.
When Wild Turkeys Choose to Fly
Wild turkeys usually only fly when necessary – it takes considerable energy and exposure to predators. Situations when wild turkeys commonly take flight include:
Escaping Predators
Wild turkeys fly to avoid predators like coyotes, foxes, bobcats, hawks, and owls. The birds explode upwards quickly to reach treetops and evade danger from ground predators.
Reaching Roosts
Turkeys fly up to reach high tree branches where they roost (sleep) overnight. Preferred roost sites include mature trees and protective woodlands.
Crossing Obstacles
Wild turkeys make short flights across rivers, gorges, canyons, or man-made obstacles like roads or fences. They generally fly the shortest distance necessary to reach the other side.
Travel
Though wild turkeys walk most of the time, they may fly short distances between feeding areas. Young males may fly up to 1/2 mile between summer habitats. Hens lead young broods on short flights between brooding and feeding sites.
Four Stages of Wild Turkey Flight
Wild turkey flight can be divided into four main stages:
Crouching
Prior to flight, wild turkeys lower their bodies close to the ground and flare their tail feathers. The head may extend forward.
Takeoff
Using their strong legs, wild turkeys push upwards with rapid wing beats to become airborne. Once aloft, the feet are tucked close to the body.
Flight
In sustained flight, wild turkey wings beat very quickly, up to 4 times per second. The tail spreads to provide stability. Turkeys gain altitude quickly and fly low over the terrain.
Landing
Approaching landing, wild turkeys angle their wings forward and spread the tail. The head extends and feet spread forward to create drag and facilitate a quick, controlled landing.
Four Wing Feather Groups
Wild turkey wing feathers are divided into four main groups that each contribute to flight:
Primaries
The longest flight feathers located at the wing tip. They provide thrust and lift on the downstroke.
Secondaries
The shorter flight feathers near the base of the wing. They also provide lift and thrust.
Coverts
Smaller overlying feathers that smooth airflow over the other flight feathers.
Alula
Three small, stiff feathers near the wrist joint. They act as slots on the leading edge of the wing.
The coordinated action of all four feather groups allows wild turkeys to takeoff quickly, fly steadily, brake efficiently, and maneuver through obstacles. The feathers provide the essential lift, drag, and control needed for brief bursts of flight.
Conclusion
While not designed for sustained migratory flights, wild turkeys are remarkably adept at short duration, low altitude flights. They can achieve impressive speeds and maneuver through forests and land on targets. With lightweight pneumatic bones, oversized wings, expansive tails, and specialized power and flight feathers, wild turkeys posses the ideal body plan for escaping danger and reaching preferred roosting and feeding sites with quick busts of flight. Their smaller domesticated cousins have lost much of this ancestral flight capability through selective breeding for meat production. So the next time you see a wild turkey flying by, take a moment to appreciate the complex aerodynamics that gives these large, ground-dwelling birds their unique flight skills.