Can a Wild Turkey Fly? Yes, They Can!

Wild turkeys are often seen as lumbering flightless birds but the truth is, they can fly! In fact, they can reach speeds of up to 55 miles per hour in short bursts.

This surprising fact was recently confirmed by a photo captured by North Carolina’s Candid Critters camera trap program. The image shows a wild turkey soaring through the air in Orange County proving that these birds are capable of taking flight.

Why the Myth Persists

The myth that turkeys can’t fly likely stems from their large size and tendency to stay close to the ground Adult turkeys can weigh up to 20 pounds and have a wingspan of nearly 5 feet. They also prefer to run rather than fly, reaching speeds of up to 25 mph on the ground

Additionally, wild turkeys roost in trees at night, which requires them to fly. However, they typically only fly short distances, about a quarter of a mile, and stay close to the ground. This behavior may have contributed to the misconception that they are incapable of sustained flight.

Witnessing the Spectacle

While not a common sight, some people have witnessed the impressive sight of a flock of wild turkeys taking flight. The experience can be quite startling, as the birds are large and noisy when airborne.

One commenter on the Candid Critters Facebook page described their experience: “Scared me when six jumped up and flew away.” Another shared: “You haven’t lived until you are riding a horse down a wooded trail and an entire flock flies up into the trees. Luckily, I was riding the right horse and rather than spin and bolt, she just jumped in place, both of our hearts pounding.”

A Resurgence of Wild Turkeys

The photo captured by Candid Critters is a reminder that wild turkeys are fascinating creatures with hidden talents. Their population has rebounded significantly in recent years, with an estimated 265,000 wild turkeys in North Carolina as of 2015. This is a remarkable comeback from a population that dwindled to just 2,000 in 1970.

So, the next time you see a wild turkey, remember that it’s not just a ground-dwelling bird. It’s a creature capable of taking flight and soaring through the sky.

Here are some additional facts about wild turkeys:

• They are omnivores, eating a variety of plants, insects, and small animals.
• They have excellent eyesight, three times better than a human’s.
• They have a visual field of more than 270 degrees.
• They are social animals and live in flocks of up to 20 birds.
• They are important to the ecosystem, helping to control insect populations.

If you’re interested in learning more about wild turkeys, here are some additional resources:

• National Wild Turkey Federation: https://www.nwtf.org/
• The Cornell Lab of Ornithology: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Wild_Turkey/
• The National Audubon Society: https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/wild-turkey