Turkey Terminology

Beard

A tuft of coarse, black bristles found on the breast of most male turkeys (gobblers) and a small percentage of females (hens).

Caruncles

Fleshy, warty growths on the head and neck. These change color depending on the bird's emotion and health.

Snood

A fleshy, tubular projection that hangs over the bill. It can contract or extend and changes color with the bird's emotion.

Spur

A sharp, bony projection on the back of the legs of a gobbler, used for fighting. The size and sharpness can indicate age.

Wattle

Fleshy, red, wrinkled skin hanging from the throat.

Gobbler

An adult male turkey. Also called a Tom.

Hen

An adult female turkey.

Jake

A male turkey in its first year. They typically have shorter beards and spurs than an adult gobbler.

Jenny

A female turkey in its first year.

Poults

Turkey chicks of either sex, usually 1 day to 4 weeks old.

Gobble

The loud, distinct vocalization of a male turkey, primarily used to attract hens and challenge rivals.

Cluck

A short, sharp sound used for communication, often to reassemble the flock or announce their location.

Purr

A soft, rolling sound that indicates contentment or is used by a flock feeding in close proximity.

Yelp

A series of plaintive, high-pitched calls used by hens to locate or gather other turkeys.

Strut

The male turkey's display, where he fans his tail, drops his wings, and puffs up his body to impress hens or intimidate rivals.

Roost

The place (typically a tree) where turkeys sleep for the night.

Decoy

A fake turkey used by hunters to attract real turkeys into range.

Blind

A structure used by a hunter to hide while calling and waiting for a turkey.

Caller

A device or tool used by a hunter to imitate the sounds of a turkey.

Full Strut

When a gobbler is fully displaying his feathers, including a fanned tail and lowered wings.