After harvesting a bearded hen (shown, right) with a 7 1⁄2-inch beard, Paul Rouse of Bryan’s Road, Maryland, inquired as to how uncommon they are. Dr. Tom gives us the statistics behind bearded hens and a few notes on their ability to reproduce.
Wild turkey beards emerge from a point on the skin of the upper breast called a papilla. Almost all gobblers have at least one papilla and are capable of growing beards. The average incidence rate of hen turkeys with beards 10%. Hens with beards occur in all five subspecies of wild turkey. Bearded hens are generally more common in the Merriam E2%80%99s subspecies (19%) and relatively uncommon among Osceola hens (less than 201%)
A closer look at banding records for 1,515 Eastern wild turkey hens revealed that 133 hens (8. 7%) had beards. Among the 903 adult hens within that sample of banded hens, 126, or 13. 95%, were bearded; however, of the 612 juvenile hens only 7 (1. 14%) sported beards. There are two reasons for that difference. First, biologists handling wild turkeys seldom check hens for beards unless the beard is visible. Hen beards grow more slowly and are generally thinner (fewer bristles) than gobbler beards. Therefore, beards are less likely found on juvenile hens if captured in their first winter.
As hen turkeys get older, the incident rate of bearded hens might go up, but there is no data to suggest that this happens. More likely, young hens just don’t have long enough beards to be noticeable, so the percentage of hens capable of growing a beard is probably constant.
Most adult bearded hens have beards that are 6 to 8 inches in length. The longest hen beard I have seen was a shade over 9 inches but was quite thin. Bearded hens are capable of laying eggs and raising broods. No research has shown that they are more likely to produce bearded offspring than “clean-shaven” hens.
The Wild Turkey, a majestic bird adorned with vibrant colors and fascinating features holds a unique distinction in the avian world: the beard. This intriguing appendage a cluster of dark brown or black hair-like feathers protruding from the bird’s chest, has captivated naturalists and hunters alike for centuries. While primarily associated with male turkeys, or toms, a curious phenomenon exists – the bearded hen.
The Rarity of the Bearded Hen: A Statistical Enigma
Approximately 10% of female turkeys sport beards, albeit shorter and less prominent than their male counterparts. The exact reason behind this peculiarity remains shrouded in mystery, but scientists believe it could be a genetic trait or a hormonal anomaly. Regardless of the cause, the bearded hen presents a fascinating deviation from the norm, sparking curiosity among bird enthusiasts and raising questions about its implications for the species.
The Significance of the Turkey Beard: Beyond Mere Ornamentation
While the turkey beard’s primary function remains a subject of debate, several theories have emerged Some experts believe it plays a crucial role in mate selection, signaling dominance and health to potential partners. Others suggest it serves as a sensory organ, aiding the bird in navigating dense undergrowth or detecting predators Still, others propose it acts as a form of camouflage, breaking up the bird’s outline and making it less visible to predators.
The Bearded Hen: A Valuable Contributor to the Turkey Population
Despite their rarity, bearded hens play a significant role in the turkey population’s overall health As they are capable of breeding and producing offspring, they contribute to the genetic diversity of the species, ensuring its resilience and adaptability Moreover, their presence suggests a healthy and balanced ecosystem, where resources are plentiful and competition for mates is not overly intense.
The Ethical Dilemma: To Shoot or Not to Shoot a Bearded Hen
The question of whether to shoot a bearded hen often sparks debate among hunters. While some argue that their rarity makes them valuable and worthy of protection, others contend that they are fair game, especially in areas where turkey populations are abundant. Ultimately, the decision rests on individual ethics and local regulations, with responsible hunters prioritizing the long-term sustainability of the species.
The turkey beard, a seemingly simple appendage, reveals a complex and fascinating story about the natural world. The bearded hen, a testament to nature’s diversity, reminds us of the interconnectedness of life and the importance of respecting and preserving all creatures, regardless of their peculiarities. As we delve deeper into the mysteries of the turkey beard, we gain a profound appreciation for the intricate tapestry of life and the wonders that continue to unfold before our eyes.
Turkey Hunting: Bearded Hen (RARE!)
FAQ
What are the odds of a bearded hen turkey?
What percentage of hen turkeys have beards?
Is a bearded hen rare?
What causes a hen turkey to have a beard?
What is the longest beard a hen has?
The longest beard ever recorded was nearly 23 inches; anything over 12 inches is considered extremely unique. There are some cases where toms will have multiple beards. It is not uncommon to see a double beard, but triples and beyond are considered very rare. The most beards ever found on a turkey was 13! Sometimes hens will sport a beard.
Do bearded hens have a beard?
It is possible that at one time there were fewer bearded hens, but when one got trapped with the genetics, its offspring carried the beard gene and it has been passed on. Turkeys Don’t Shave! After it is a full year old, a jake could have about a 5-inch beard. After another year, it becomes a 2-year-old tom with a beard of 9 inches or more.
Are bearded hens legal in Georgia?
Either way, bearded hens are not legal game in the state of Georgia. In some areas they are; Florida, for example, defines legal game during spring turkey season as “bearded turkey or gobbler.” Not so in GA, which specifies “gobblers.” Come turkey season, I hunted long and hard for a mature gobbler, beginning on opening morning.
Does a beard affect a hen’s reproductive ability?
Developing a beard has no effect on a hen’s reproductive ability as bearded hens will successfully breed and rear broods. Jakes start to grow their beard when less than 3 months of age, and a beard can be seen emerging from the breast feathers three to four months later.