The Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) may very well be the most iconic bird in North America. Particularly in the United States, where they occur throughout the lower 48 and Hawaii. Although they reside across a broad array of habitats, their nesting habits remain much the same.
Despite their proclivity for roosting in trees, when it comes to nesting, wild turkeys are exclusively ground dwellers. Brood hens build their nests by scratching a shallow depression into the ground, typically at the base of a tree or within dense thickets.
However, wild turkeys only remain on the ground as long as necessary. This position leaves even adult birds extremely vulnerable. Thus, as soon as poults can fly, a hen and her young move to roosting in trees.
We will discuss wild turkey nesting habits in greater detail below. Read on to discover more!
The wild turkey is an iconic bird found throughout much of North America. While we often see the grown birds, especially around Thanksgiving, few people have actually laid eyes on a wild turkey’s egg. Wild turkeys build their nests on the ground, laying speckled, tan eggs in concealed locations in the woods. Read on to learn more about the unique look, nesting habits, and incubation of wild turkey eggs.
Overview of Wild Turkey Nesting
-
Wild turkeys nest on the ground in dense vegetation or at the base of trees
-
The hens scratch out shallow depressions in leaf litter to create the nest.
-
Turkeys don’t gather nesting materials, just using what’s already at the site.
-
Clutch size averages 10-12 eggs, laid over two weeks.
-
Incubation takes 25-31 days before the eggs hatch.
Appearance of Wild Turkey Eggs
Wild turkey eggs are tan or buff in color with brown or pink spotting. They are pointy at one end and more rounded at the other. Their shells are slightly thicker but still smooth like chicken eggs.
Some key facts about wild turkey egg size and color:
-
Length ranges from 1.9 – 2.7 inches long
-
Width ranges from 1.6 – 1.9 inches wide
-
Weigh between 2 – 3.5 ounces on average
-
Base color is pale yellowish tan
-
Covered in reddish-brown or pinkish speckles
This speckled pattern provides camouflage for the eggs when the hen is away from the nest. The tan base blends in with leaves and dirt, while the spots break up the egg’s outline.
Where Turkeys Nest and Build Nests
Wild turkeys nest exclusively on the ground. The hens seek out concealed, protected spots to build their shallow nests.
Common nesting locations include:
- At the base of tree trunks
- Near logs or brush piles
- In tall grass or weeds
- Under thick shrubs or overhanging vegetation
Hens scratch out a depression about 1-2 inches deep and 8-13 inches across. They line it with leaves, twigs, and other material already present. The eggs blend right in.
Turkey Egg Laying and Incubation
Once a nest is prepared, the hen will lay one egg per day until completing her clutch. Average clutch size is 10-12 eggs but can range from 8 to 15.
Incubation starts after the last egg is laid. Hens are dedicated mothers, only leaving the nest for 20-30 minutes at a time to feed. After 25-31 days of incubation, the eggs hatch over a period of several hours.
The hatchlings are covered in down and leave the nest after about a day. The hen protects and teaches her poults until they fledge at around 2 weeks old.
Why We Don’t Eat Turkey Eggs
Although edible, turkey eggs are not typically consumed. Reasons include:
-
Turkeys lay fewer eggs than chickens overall
-
Each egg is larger than a chicken egg
-
Longer incubation period than chickens
-
Require more resources like feed and space
-
Overall higher production costs
These factors make turkey eggs impractical for commercial sale and consumption. But those lucky enough to find a wild nest may enjoy the rare treat of sampling one!
The hidden nests of wild turkeys foster the next generation of these fascinating birds. While rarely seen, their tan, speckled eggs and dedicated mothering sustain wild turkey populations throughout their range.
How high are Wild Turkey nests?
Wild turkeys nests are at ground level. Although these large birds roost in trees, they do not build nests and raise their young above ground.
Three female Wild Turkeys, called hens, foraging for food
Do Wild Turkeys use nest boxes?
Some wildlife organizations build nest boxes for wild turkeys in regions where populations are in decline. However, there is little evidence at this time that turkeys use these man-made structures. These birds are particular about nest site selection, and a box does not replicate locations these birds typically choose in the wild.
Why Don’t We Eat Turkey Eggs!
FAQ
What month do wild turkeys lay eggs?
Egg laying begins in April, and each hen will lay a clutch of 11 to 12 eggs over a two-week period.
How do you identify a turkey egg?
| Clutch Size: | 4-17 eggs |
|---|---|
| Egg Width: | 1.6-1.9 in (4.1-4.7 cm) |
| Incubation Period: | 25-31 days |
| Nestling Period: | 1 day |
| Egg Description: | Pale yellowish tan, evenly marked with reddish brown or pinkish spots. |
Do wild turkey hens sit on their eggs at night?
Hens will only visit the nesting site long enough to deposit her egg for the day. The rest of her time will be spent elsewhere feeding and roosting. At the end of the laying period, incubation starts. During this time, the hen puts herself in danger to stay on the nest day and night for about 28 days.
Are wild turkey eggs good to eat?
Yes, you absolutely can eat turkey eggs. They are somewhat like duck eggs in that they are richer and creamier in taste. However, turkeys don’t lay nearly as many eggs as chickens – perhaps 100 a year as opposed to a hen’s 300, so don’t expect to enjoy them too often.
What does a turkey egg look like?
Turkey eggs look like regular eggs, but are slightly larger and have brown speckles. According to Modern Farmer, their shells are also slightly tougher than chicken egg shells.
How big are wild turkey eggs?
Wild turkey eggs range in size from about 59 x 45 mm to 68.5 x 46 mm. Abnormalities, such as smaller than average egg size, do occur. Egg shells are smooth, with a matte finish. Colors range from pale to buffy-white, marked with reddish-brown or light pink dots. How many eggs do Wild Turkeys lay? Wild Turkey hens typically lay 10-12 eggs.
How long do wild turkeys lay eggs?
Wild turkeys nest for about 28 days, from the time the last egg is laid to when the poults hatch. Once hatched, the female remains on the nest for another two weeks, until her young can fly. After this period, hens and chicks roost in trees at night. What month do Wild Turkeys lay eggs? The timing of egg laying largely depends on the region.
What is the difference between a chicken and a turkey egg?
Some people prefer them and eat them on a regular basis. The only difference between a chicken and a turkey egg, when it comes to flavor, is that turkey eggs have a slightly stronger flavor, and the texture is a tad creamier. Some compare them to duck eggs, stating they are extremely similar in flavor and texture.
When do turkeys lay eggs?
Nesting season for wild turkeys varies based on region. In the southern United States, courtship typically begins in January or February, and the first eggs are laid in early March. Farther north, breeding season occurs later in spring (generally March to mid-April), which sets egg laying back to mid-April, or even as late as May.
Are turkey eggs tougher than chicken eggs?
Modern Farmer states that the shells of turkey eggs are slightly tougher than those of chicken eggs. The membrane between the egg and the shell is also thicker. On average, a turkey egg is between 2 and 2.7 inches long and can weigh between 66 grams and 110 grams. So, the shell is tougher.