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A state turkey expert claims that although the three wild turkeys chasing each other around a tree in Murrysville appear to be playing silly games, they are actually engaged in a struggle for dominance.
Earlier this month, PixCams recorded a video of three male turkeys chasing one another in circles around a tree using a webcam that was set up on a field in Murrysville. Soon after PixCams edited the video and shared it on social media, it quickly attracted thousands of views in the first few days.
Bill Powers of PixCams, a Murrysville-based company that created and broadcasts outdoor nature webcams across Southwestern Pennsylvania, including the Pittsburgh Hays bald eagle webcam, stated, “We have not seen anything like this before.”
In the humorous video, Powers stated, “This is a group of three mature males (toms), and it looks like they are chasing each other for some reason.”
According to Mary Jo Casalena, a wild turkey biologist with the Pennsylvania Game Commission, the video may seem humorous to the general public, but it actually depicts three normal adult gobblers, one of whom is asserting dominance over the others.
The birds continually running around a tree, demonstrates that “turkeys aren’t the smartest animals,” Casalena said. The first turkey that stepped out of the circle chase is likely the subordinate one, she noted.
“Then the dominant gobbler began the dominance game again,” Casalena said. “The other two gobblers play along with it because dominance is a normal part of flock behavior. ”.
Turkeys join other flocks in the fall and winter thanks to this jockeying and having a clearly defined dominant bird, Casalena aid
The birds congregate in groups to find food more readily and to be safe from predators.
They have more eyes scouting for predators and more eyes venturing into the woods where they can spread out and find food. ”.
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Have you ever witnessed a turkey strutting in circles, leaving you baffled and bewildered? This peculiar behavior, while seemingly strange often stems from a combination of factors ranging from instinctual flocking patterns to neurological issues. Let’s delve into the depths of this avian enigma, exploring the potential causes and offering insights into this captivating phenomenon.
The Flock Mentality: A Circular Symphony of Safety
Turkeys, by nature, are highly social creatures with a strong instinct to stay close to their flock. This inherent behavior serves as a protective measure, ensuring that no individual strays too far from the safety of the group. When a turkey finds itself separated from its companions, it may resort to circling as a means of reconnecting with the flock. This circular motion allows the turkey to maintain visual contact with its fellow birds, providing a sense of security and reducing the risk of predation.
Neurological Mishaps: When Balance Goes Awry
In some cases, a turkey’s circling behavior may be indicative of an underlying neurological issue. Conditions such as head injuries, vitamin deficiencies, and infections can affect the turkey’s balance and coordination, leading to disorientation and circular movements. If you observe your turkey exhibiting circling behavior along with other symptoms like lethargy, loss of appetite, or tremors, it’s crucial to seek veterinary attention promptly.
Environmental Factors: A Tangled Web of Influences
The environment in which a turkey lives can also play a role in its circling behavior Exposure to toxins, such as pesticides or mold, can disrupt the turkey’s nervous system, leading to disorientation and circular movements Additionally, if a turkey is housed in a confined space with limited stimulation, it may resort to pacing or circling as a way to relieve boredom and stress.
The Case of the Circling Turkey: A Story of Recovery
In the specific instance of Black Feather’s turkey, the cause of the circling behavior remained elusive. Despite efforts to identify the root cause, the turkey ultimately succumbed to its ailment. While the exact reason for its demise remains unknown, the insights gained from this case highlight the importance of observing our feathered friends closely and seeking veterinary assistance when necessary.
Unveiling the Secrets of the Circling Turkey: A Guide for the Curious
If you encounter a turkey engaged in circular movements, here are some steps you can take to unravel the mystery:
- Observe the turkey closely: Look for additional symptoms that may provide clues about the cause of the circling behavior.
- Examine the environment: Check for potential toxins or hazards that could be affecting the turkey’s health.
- Consult with a veterinarian: Seek professional advice to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
By following these steps, you can gain a deeper understanding of the turkey’s behavior and take appropriate action to ensure its well-being.
Beyond the Circle: A Journey into the World of Turkey Behavior
The circling behavior of turkeys is just one example of the fascinating and complex world of avian behavior. By observing and understanding our feathered friends, we can gain valuable insights into their unique adaptations, social interactions, and survival strategies. This knowledge not only enriches our appreciation for these remarkable creatures but also empowers us to become better stewards of their well-being.
Why These Turkeys Circling A Dead Cat Remind Us How Amazing Nature Can Be
FAQ
Why do wild turkeys chase each other?
What should you do if a turkey is chasing you?
Do turkeys circle back?
Why do I see a lone turkey?
Why do turkeys walk in a circle around a dead cat?
Biologist Alan Krakauer says it’s more likely “predator inspection behavior.” The video is unnerving. More than 15 turkeys walk in a circle — not running or distressed, but walking with intention — around a dead cat in the middle of the road.
Why are turkeys circling?
The result, he says, is a circle of turkeys—mostly females—all eyeing the potential predator’s carcass, but none of them wanting to get any closer. ( Read: “Do Crows Hold Funerals for Their Dead?”) Turkeys’ instinct to follow the flock probably compounded the circling.
Why do turkeys circle in front of each other?
Richard Buchholz, a professor of biology at the University of Mississippi, agrees: he’s also seen this kind of circling behavior in the turkey bird family, which includes chickens, pheasants, and quail. Following the tail in front of them is a way they stick together as a flock, he says. –
Did a flock of turkeys Circle a dead cat in Randolph?
A Boston man freaked out thousands of people online today after he shared footage on Twitter of a flock of turkeys circling a dead cat in the middle of the road in Randolph. Needless to say, people had lots of questions.