Every birder and non-birder can easily recognize the classic “gobble” a wild turkey makes, that long-ranging, loud, territorial call that declares to all within hearing that this bird rules the roost. But did you know that wild turkeys actually have a much wider repertoire of sounds they can make? Listen closely, and you might be hearing turkey sounds much more often than you realize!
The Classic Gobble
Of course, the throaty, rapid, gurgling “gobble-gobble-gobble” of a wild turkey is its most instantly recognizable call. Male turkeys – toms – make this call loudly and proudly, mostly in spring when they are advertising their health and strength to hens and ensuring that other toms understand their territorial boundaries. In each gobble call, there may be a dozen or more syllables depending on how virile that particular male may be feeling in the moment, how agitated he may be, or whether he perceives any competition he is trying to deter.
Photo by Rennett Stowe
Other Wild Turkey Sounds
What comes as a surprise to many birders is the wide range of noises turkeys can create. We all know the gobble, but did you know that turkeys also make sounds such as:
- Raspy, throaty yelps
- Sharp clucks
- Soft purring
- Elongated yelping
- Rapid cackles
- Higher pitched kee notes
- Muted chirping
The intensity, volume, and pace of different calls will vary depending on the birds’ emotional state. When excited, agitated, or afraid, calls are typically louder or more frantic. When a turkey is calm and comfortable, calls can be much softer and slower, even single notes.
Non-Vocal Noises
While the sounds a bird makes with its voice are the most widely familiar, it is important to note that all birds, especially large birds like turkeys, make sounds without vocalizing. The broad, powerful wings of a wild turkey can make a thick beating sound as they take flight. This noise can be especially prominent when an entire flock may take wing at once!
Another common turkey sound is the scratching these birds make as they forage. Turkeys scratch with one foot at a time, and the sound will change depending on what they’re scratching in – dry leaves and other forest mast, softer grasses, loose dirt, etc.
Of course, as these large birds move around – a wild turkey can weigh up to 23 pounds! – just their steps and movements can make noises as they brush against bushes, crack twigs, and rustle leaves. Large flocks can be quite noisy at times, though the birds can also be stealthy when necessary and it can be a surprise when a birder sees first one turkey, then realizes an entire flock is nearby but they never heard many obvious sounds.
Listen carefully – you might hear more from wild turkeys than you ever thought possible!
Want to learn more? Enjoy our exclusive wild turkey photo gallery!
