Bird
Wild Turkey
Big bird, big attitude
Where Turkeys Strut
Wild turkeys live nearly statewide in Maine and are year-round residents, especially common in the southern half of the state where mature forests meet grassy openings.
Turkey Trivia
Turkeys roost high in trees at night and put on a show each spring when toms fan their feathers and strut to attract mates. Males often sport leg spurs and long beards (though some hens do too), and if you’re tracking signs, hen droppings form a spiral while tom scat looks like a “J.” TMI? You decide!
Quick Facts
Average Size
Hens typically weigh between 6–12 pounds, while toms tip the scales at 10–20 pounds.
What's on the Menu
Wild turkeys eat insects, fruits, berries, seeds, grains, and nuts.
The Look
A large, dark brown bird with bronze-green shine, long legs, and a small head on a slim neck. Their bare head and neck can shift from red to blue to gray depending on mood and season.
