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Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo)

The Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) is a large, ground-dwelling bird native to North America, renowned for its distinctive plumage and significant cultural importance. As an omnivorous species, it thrives in diverse habitats, foraging on a varied diet that includes nuts, seeds, and insects.

At a Glance – Wild Turkey

Where can I see wild turkeys in Québec?

Wild turkeys in Québec are typically found in wooded parks and forest-edge habitats where they forage and move in small groups.

• Locations: Sightings are reported in parks such as Parc de la Frayère and Parc Nature Pointe aux Prairies
• Habitat: They favor forests, woodland edges, and mixed areas with open ground for feeding.
• Behavior: Birds are often seen walking on the ground while feeding in flocks.

How can I tell the difference between male and female wild turkeys?

Males and females can be distinguished by visible features such as beard feathers and leg spurs.

• Beard: Males usually have a prominent breast beard made of stiff feathers.
• Spurs: Sharp leg spurs are common in males and used in dominance fights.
• Coloration: Males tend to show more colorful skin and display behavior.

What behaviors or sounds do wild turkeys show in the wild?

Wild turkeys display varied behaviors such as foraging, calling, and social flock movement.

• Foraging: Birds commonly search for food on the forest floor.
• Calling: Vocalizations can be heard from nearby individuals even when not visible. (See video linked below)
• Social groups: Flocks may split into smaller groups while moving through habitat.

Best Locations and Seasons for Sightings

The Wild Turkey can be observed throughout the year. My initial encounter with this species took place during winter at Park Angrignon, where they are often fed seeds by park visitors.

Field Reports

• 2026-02-21 Parc de la Frayère: A flock of around 15 individuals, toms and hens, dispersed in smaller groups within the forest area right of the road. Finally, learned how to distinguish toms (males) from hens (females)

"x" indicates the species was observed, while "-" indicates no observation. Lack of observation doesn't necessarily imply that the species is absent. Data is derived from my park visit journals.

Identification and Similar Species

The Wild Turkey is a large bird, often observed foraging on the ground or perched on low tree branches. It is characterized by its dark brown plumage, a featherless head with a bluish tint, and a distinctive red throat.

Distinguishing males (toms) from females (hens) relies primarily on the presence of a well-developed breast beard, although this feature may not always be visible depending on viewing angle or posture. Leg spurs, located above the hind toe, are another reliable indicator of males.

The snood (fleshy appendage above the beak) and the wattles on the neck occur in both sexes; however, they are typically larger, more colorful, and more behaviorally expressive in males, especially during display.

Captured Moments

Videos are hosted on YouTube. Click on a thumbnail to watch it.

All content on this page — including photos, videos, and field audio recordings — was created by Karl-Heinz Müller, a Montréal-based wildlife filmmaker, sound recordist, and photographer. Founder of MUUUH and Québec Sauvage, he has spent over a decade documenting Canada’s natural habitats through immersive soundscapes and wildlife films. Learn more about Karl-Heinz

Last updated: 2026-02-24