Turkeys are fascinating birds with specific terminology used to describe their age and sex, reflecting their distinct life stages. Understanding these common names clarifies how we talk about these large North American birds. This article defines the terminology associated with the male turkey and details the physical traits that make the adult male recognizable.
The Specific Names for Turkeys
The most widely accepted term for an adult male turkey is a “Tom.” This name applies to both wild and domesticated birds once they reach full maturity. The term “Gobbler” is also frequently used interchangeably with “Tom,” originating from the loud, distinctive vocalization the male produces.
The female of the species is consistently called a “Hen.” Young turkeys, regardless of sex, are known as “Poults” immediately after hatching. As the young birds mature, the terminology further distinguishes them: a juvenile male is a “Jake,” and a juvenile female is a “Jenny.”
Defining Features of the Male Turkey
The adult male turkey is easily distinguished from the hen by several unique physical characteristics related to courtship and dominance displays. One prominent feature is the “beard,” a tuft of long, coarse, bristle-like modified feathers hanging from the center of the chest. Though rarely seen on females, the beard is a hallmark of the male, growing longer throughout its life.
The male also possesses fleshy appendages on its head and neck that change color dramatically depending on its mood or excitement level. The “snood” is a highly vascularized flap of skin that hangs over the beak and elongates during mating displays. A fold of skin hanging from the throat is the “wattle,” and the bumpy, fleshy growths on the head and neck are called “caruncles.” These appendages all turn bright red or blue during moments of aggression or courtship.
Another distinguishing feature is the presence of “spurs,” which are sharp, bony protrusions found on the back of the male’s legs. These spurs are used primarily for defense and for establishing dominance during fights with other males. The male’s distinctive “gobble” is a vocalization used to attract females and assert territory, and it is a sound rarely, if ever, produced by the hen.