Last year, one of our dogs started barking, standing at the front door and looking out at our drive. We walked over to see what the fuss was about…and witnessed about two dozen wild turkeys strolling down the drive on their way to the creek! Of course, we instantly wondered what a group of turkeys is called–and it turned out to be a word we never would have guessed!
Turkeys are highly social, gregarious birds that often gather in large groups, both in the wild and when domesticated on farms But what are these bird groupings called collectively? Well, there isn’t one single definitive name, but rather a few interesting options depending on the situation.
Some of the popular terms used to describe a group of turkeys include a rafter, gang, flock, herd, gaggle, brood, posse and even a death row! Each name provides insight into fascinating turkey behaviors and origins.
Generic Terms for Turkey Groupings
In general, a group of wild turkeys is referred to as a “flock” This is the most commonly used collective noun for many species of wild birds including ducks, sparrows, and blackbirds
A group of domesticated or farmed turkeys is usually called a “gaggle.” This draws parallels to groups of geese which are also called gaggles, likely due to both species’ noisy vocalizations.
More Specific Turkey Collectives
Here are some more fun, specific names used to describe turkey groupings and why they exist:
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Rafter – References their habit of roosting together on rafters or tree branches.
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Gang or Mob – Describes noisy, antagonistic groups of male turkeys.
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Death row – Morbidly refers to turkeys awaiting slaughter for holidays.
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Brood – A mother turkey with her chicks.
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Posse – Groups of young male turkeys acting territorial.
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Run – Flocking wild turkeys in motion on the ground.
Turkey Grouping Behavior Explained
So why do turkeys form social groups with such intriguing names? Here’s a look at the reasoning behind various turkey collective nouns:
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Safety in numbers – Groups provide security from predators.
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Establish dominance – Flocks organize social pecking order.
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Shared roosting spots – Communal overnight tree roosting.
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Family units – Hen with chicks as a brood.
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Strength in numbers – Gang mentality among male turkeys.
So next time you see a flock of wild turkeys or a gaggle of farmed birds, you’ll know exactly what collective nouns can be used to describe them!
The Collective Noun for Turkeys
A group of turkeys is called a rafter of turkeys. This term is somewhat unusual and lesser-known compared to other bird group names, but it’s the recognized term for a group of these birds.
The origin of the term “rafter” for a group of turkeys is a bit unclear. Many other bird group names are based on observed behavior or characteristics. So perhaps “Rafter” refers to wild turkeys roosting together in trees at night, often in large numbers? It may have originated from an old English word or could be derived from a more arbitrary tradition, as is the case with many collective nouns.
Whatever the origin, it is not unusual to see a rafter of turkeys when you do spot wild turkeys. Wild turkeys are gregarious birds and live in family flocks led by an dominant hen.
Male wild turkeys, called toms, will also gather in rafters on the ground to perform courtship displays.
Larger flocks sometimes form during winter months when food sources need to be shared.
What is a Group of Turkey Chicks Called?
A group of turkey chicks is commonly referred to as a brood of turkey chicks. The term “brood” is used widely in ornithology and bird-watching to describe a group of young birds that were hatched at the same time and are being cared for by their parents. This term is not specific to turkeys; it is used for the offspring of many bird species.
In the context of turkeys, a brood of turkey chicks typically consists of the young birds that are still under the care and protection of the hen (female turkey).
What is a Group of Turkeys Called? [3 Secret Group of Turkey Names]
FAQ
What is the plural for a group of turkeys?
Even though a rafter or gang of turkeys identifies many turkeys within a group, the words are singular. If you are referring to many different groups of turkeys, you would use the plural form (rafters or gangs).
What is the flock of turkeys?
The Collective Noun for Turkeys
A group of turkeys is called a rafter of turkeys. This term is somewhat unusual and lesser-known compared to other bird group names, but it’s the recognized term for a group of these birds.
Are a group of turkeys called a gaggle?
This refers to the noisy and sometimes intimidating behavior when large groups of young and older male turkeys assemble. Occasionally a group of noisy turkeys may also be called a ‘gaggle’, calling out the loud, gobbling sounds that are characteristic of a large gathering of turkeys (and geese!).