Wild Turkey song and calls

Birdsong and calls are often the easiest way to identify the Wild Turkey, especially when the bird is hidden in dense foliage. Below is what to listen for.

Song

The most iconic vocalization is the 'gobble' of the male, a loud, resonant, rapid series of calls (gobble-obble-obble-obble) used to attract females and announce presence. Each gobble lasts about one second.

Calls

Hens produce a variety of calls, including 'yelps' (a series of clucking notes, often used to locate other turkeys), 'clucks' (short, sharp notes), 'purrs' (soft, rolling sounds indicating contentment), and 'putts' (alarm calls). Males also make clucks, purrs, and 'spits' (a sharp hiss followed by a drum) during display.

When they vocalize

Males gobble most frequently at dawn and dusk, particularly during the breeding season (spring). Hens vocalize throughout the day, especially when communicating with poults or other flock members.

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