When you think of a turkey, what comes to mind? Is it the iconic holiday bird, the one that appears on the table each Thanksgiving? Or is it the wild North American birds that are found throughout the continent? Regardless of what image of a turkey pops into your head, it’s likely that one of the first things you think of when you think of turkey is their unmistakable gobble. But what noise do turkeys actually make?
The Sounds of Wild Turkeys
When most people think of the sound of turkeys, they think of the iconic gobble. But wild turkeys actually make a variety of sounds. The sounds wild turkeys make depend on the species, age, and sex of the bird.
Gobbling
Gobbling is the most recognizable sound made by wild turkeys. While some might think that gobbling is only made by male turkeys, both male and female turkeys can make this sound. Male turkeys, however, are more likely to make this sound than female turkeys. Gobbling is mainly used during mating season. Male turkeys will make this sound to attract mates and to advertise their presence to other males.
Purring
Purring is another sound made by wild turkeys. This sound is usually made by both male and female turkeys and is used to indicate contentment and satisfaction. When a turkey purrs, it will often keep its head low and its wings spread slightly.
Clucking
Clucking is a sound made by turkeys primarily to communicate with other turkeys. This sound is often used as a warning to other turkeys that there may be danger nearby. It is also used to alert other turkeys to the presence of food or potential mates.
Yelping
Yelping is a sound made by both male and female turkeys. This sound is mainly used to call other turkeys or to alert them to danger. It is also used by male turkeys to attract mates during mating season.
Cackling
Cackling is a sound made primarily by female turkeys. This sound is usually used to alert other turkeys to danger or to call other turkeys. It is also used to keep other turkeys away from a nest or to indicate that food has been found.
The Sounds of Domestic Turkeys
Domestic turkeys are bred to be bigger and meatier than their wild counterparts. As a result, they tend to make different sounds than their wild counterparts. Domestic turkeys do not make the same variety of sounds that wild turkeys make.
Gobbling
Domestic turkeys still make the iconic gobble sound. This sound is made primarily by male turkeys and is used to attract mates during mating season.
Crowing
Crowing is a sound made by domestic male turkeys. This sound is used to establish dominance and to attract potential mates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sound do turkeys make?
Turkeys make a variety of sounds, including gobbling, purring, clucking, yelping, and cackling. Domestic turkeys also make a sound called crowing.
Do female turkeys gobble?
Yes, female turkeys can and do gobble. However, it is more common for male turkeys to make this sound.
Do turkeys make different sounds?
Yes, turkeys make a variety of different sounds. The specific sounds they make depend on the species, age, and sex of the bird.
What sound do domestic turkeys make?
Domestic turkeys make a variety of sounds, including gobbling and crowing.
What sound do wild turkeys make?
Wild turkeys make a variety of sounds, including gobbling, purring, clucking, yelping, and cackling.
Do turkeys make noise at night?
Yes, turkeys can make noise at night. The specific sounds they make depend on the species, age, and sex of the bird.
Do turkeys make noise when scared?
Yes, turkeys can make noise when scared. The specific sounds they make depend on the species, age, and sex of the bird.
Conclusion
When it comes to the sounds of turkeys, there are a lot of misconceptions. While it is true that male turkeys make the iconic gobble sound, turkeys of both sexes actually make a variety of sounds. Wild turkeys make different sounds than domestic turkeys, so it is important to know the differences between the two. Knowing the sounds that turkeys make can help you better understand these fascinating birds.