How to distinguish male and female turkeys this season

During a recent social media post, the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks explained how to tell male and female turkeys apart. The post, part of their #TurkeyTuesday series, highlights key differences between gobblers and hens.

According to the department, gobblers, or male turkeys, are larger and more conspicuous. They have dark, iridescent feathers, a bright red and blue head with wattles, and a prominent beard extending from their chest. During spring, gobblers often fan their tail feathers and strut to attract hens.

Hens, or female turkeys, are smaller and have dull brown feathers that help them blend into their surroundings. They typically have a grayish head, little to no wattles, and no beard. Their subtle coloring provides camouflage while nesting, the department said.

The department emphasized that understanding these differences enhances turkey identification and offers insights into turkey behavior during the season.

Source: Original Article