For those planning to hunt wild turkeys or just interested in learning about their habitat, knowing what a turkey nest looks like and where to find one is key. While domestic turkeys don’t nest on their own, wild turkeys build nests each breeding season to lay and incubate their eggs.
Turkeys don’t construct elaborate nests like many bird species. But they do have some specific nesting behaviors and preferences when it comes to selecting a site. Keep reading to learn all about wild turkey nest identification construction and appearance.
Typical Nest Locations
Though wild turkeys roost in trees, they build ground nests for breeding. Hens select sites that offer overhead cover from shrubs, brush piles, downed trees, or low branches. Ideal spots also have plenty of leaf litter or vegetation to conceal the nest.
Exact nest placement varies by region. Northeastern turkeys often nest at the base of hardwood trees. Southwestern birds build nests under mesquite trees or in desert scrub vegetation. Forested areas provide the best habitat.
Turkeys don’t reuse nests annually, Each breeding season the hen constructs a new nest in a different spot Backyards with dense landscaping may host nests if left undisturbed
Nest Construction
Wild turkey nest building begins 4-8 weeks prior to egg laying. To construct a nest, the hen uses her feet to scratch a shallow depression into the ground, usually about 1-2 inches deep.
Turkeys don’t carry nesting materials to the site or build elaborate nests. The hen simply uses whatever leaves, twigs or debris lie in the immediate vicinity to line the nest bowl.
Typical Turkey Nest Appearance
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Bowl-shaped depression pressed into the ground, approximately 8-13 inches across
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Lined with leaves, twigs, and other forest floor debris
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Typically 1-2 inches deep and blends into the surroundings
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Domed by vegetation or other cover overhead
When undisturbed, turkey nests are extremely well-camouflaged in their woodland settings. Their simple appearance helps the brooding hen blend in, keeping her eggs safe from predators.
Egg Laying and Incubation
Once the nest is ready, the hen lays one egg daily until completing her clutch. Clutch size averages 10-12 eggs. Incubation starts after all eggs are laid.
The hen sits on the nest continually over the 28 day incubation period, leaving only briefly once a day to feed. To improve insulation and camouflage, she continues adding nesting material as she incubates.
Locating Turkey Nests
As expertly concealed ground structures, turkey nests can be tricky to spot. Here are some tips for finding them:
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Search areas with plentiful ground cover where hens feel hidden.
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Look for lightly used game trails leading to likely nest sites.
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Scan bases of trees and inside shrub thickets.
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Watch for hens returning to nests at dusk.
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Disturbing a suspected nest site may cause the hen to flush, confirming its location.
Interesting Turkey Nest Facts
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Only female turkeys build nests and incubate eggs. Males take no part in rearing young.
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Turkey nests rely on camouflage more than sturdy construction for protection.
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Hens may renest in the same season if their first nest fails.
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Young turkeys imprint on their nest environment, recognizing it even months later.
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Nest predators include skunks, raccoons, snakes, and raptors. Few nests succeed each year.
With good habitat, proper hunting strategy, and awareness of nest placement, you can have success finding wild turkey nests during breeding season. Just remember to admire their ingenuity and leave nesting hens undisturbed whenever possible.
Nesting on the ground is a risky business. Each day is full of danger and brings a new challenge for a nesting hen, which is what makes their feat so impressive.
Poults are extremely susceptible to weather and predators in the first four weeks after they hatch. If they make it past that point, the production is considered a success. It’s important for enough young turkeys to be produced that offset the annual loss, so populations remain sustainable.
Breed first, nest later
Copulation or breeding must first take place for hens to produce fertile eggs.
The timing of breeding is determined by the female turkey and researchers are now learning that physical conditioning may have a greater influence on reproduction. Reserachers believe a hen is not suited to take on the rigors of nesting unless physically in a condition to do so. Therefore, poor conditioning caused by poor nutrition can be blamed for late nesting.
It takes hens about two weeks to lay a full complement of nine to 13 eggs. 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. She needs to bulk up prior to nesting and may take a brief recess period around mid-day to feed on protein-packed insects.
What does wild turkey nesting cover look like?
FAQ
Where do turkeys make their nests?
Wild Turkeys nest on the ground in dead leaves at the bases of trees, under brush piles or thick shrubbery, or occasionally in open hayfields.
How to spot a turkey nest?
In the wild, the nest will generally be hidden in an open field of tall grass, the edge of a wood line and occasionally at the base of a tree. Another consideration for nest location: The back yard bird hen will search out a nest location away from the flock just so the other hens do not harass her.
What time of year do turkeys lay eggs?
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FloridaOsceola turkeys in Florida start breeding in mid-February, and hens lay eggs in March and April -
MichiganHens lay eggs in April, and peak hatching occurs in June in southern Michigan
What kind of trees do turkeys nest in?
Don’t Forget the Pines
While evergreens aren’t usually associated as turkey-specific trees, both longleaf and shortleaf pine ecosystems are crucial for wild turkeys and the many species that inhabit them. Turkeys will roost in mature pine trees and can be seen feeding on insects under them during the day.