Wild turkeys can be a chatty bunch of birds, especially in the springtime. They purr, cluck, gobble, and yelp. However, there is another common turkey noise that occasionally goes unnoticed: the turkey drum. It is a subtle, almost whisper-quiet, sound that male turkeys emit during the mating season. Turkey drumming happens in very particular circumstances. Namely, when they are strutting.
Turkey drumming is thought to be a noise turkeys make in conjunction with spitting and puffing up. There is a movement associated with it that could almost be described as a quiver. Turkey hunters are equally likely to see the movement of drumming without realizing what they are seeing as they are to hear the drumming noise. Additionally, a hunter must be at least 40 or 50 yards away to hear the sound because it is so soft and faint. Not every visitor to the turkey woods gets to hear a turkey drumming because of those circumstances.
The wild turkey, a majestic bird native to North America, is renowned for its impressive size distinctive plumage and captivating vocalizations. Among these vocalizations, the drumming sound holds a unique place, captivating both seasoned naturalists and curious onlookers.
Unveiling the Mystery: What is Turkey Drumming?
Turkey drumming is a complex and fascinating behavior exhibited by male turkeys during the breeding season. It involves a rapid succession of wing beats against the bird’s chest, creating a deep, resonating sound that carries through the forest.
Decoding the Drum: Understanding the Purpose of Turkey Drumming
Turkey drumming serves multiple purposes, playing a crucial role in the bird’s social and reproductive dynamics.
- Courtship display: Drumming is primarily a courtship display, used by male turkeys to attract potential mates. The loud, resonant sound advertises the male’s presence and fitness to females, increasing his chances of securing a partner.
- Territorial defense: Drumming also serves as a territorial defense mechanism. By establishing a dominant presence through their drumming, male turkeys deter rival males from encroaching on their territory.
- Communication: Drumming plays a role in communication between turkeys. The sound can convey information about the male’s location, size, and overall health, allowing other turkeys to assess potential threats or mating opportunities.
The Art of Turkey Drumming: A Masterful Performance
Turkey drumming is a remarkable feat of avian acrobatics. The male turkey begins by lowering his body and spreading his wings. He then makes a series of loud, booming noises by quickly beating his wings against his chest. The male drummer frequently repeats the performance, which can last for several seconds.
The Sound of Turkey Drumming: A Symphony for the Senses
The sound of turkey drumming is a unique and unforgettable experience. It is a deep, resonating sound that can be heard from a considerable distance. The drumming starts low in volume and gradually increases in intensity, creating a crescendo of sound that echoes through the forest.
Witnessing the Spectacle: Where and When to Experience Turkey Drumming
Turkey drumming is most commonly heard during the spring breeding season, typically from March to May. To witness this captivating display head to areas where wild turkeys are found such as forests, fields, and open woodlands. Listen for the deep, booming sound of the drumming, and be patient as you wait for the male turkey to emerge from the undergrowth.
Turkey drumming is a testament to the complex and fascinating world of avian communication. This unique behavior plays a crucial role in the turkey’s social and reproductive dynamics, captivating both scientists and nature enthusiasts alike. So, the next time you find yourself in the presence of a wild turkey, listen closely for the drumming sound – a symphony of courtship, communication, and the enduring spirit of the wild.
What is Turkey Drumming?
Only male turkeys make this vocalization, and even scientists are unsure of the precise mechanism they use. Turkeys are so common that you would think we would be familiar with all of their habits, but this is just one of those woodsy sounds that we don’t really know much about.
When hunters hear the term “drumming,” they frequently think of a noise produced by their wing feathers. Actually, though, it’s said that a large gobbler makes this sound by quickly sucking in air and then quickly expelling it again. The result is one of the lowest sounds in the woods. It’s so subtle that, if there’s enough background noise, you might miss the gobbler in front of you doing it!
Most hunters refer to drumming as “gobbler spit-drum” because there is a distinct spitting sound that occurs just before the drum. Either way, this is not a long-distance sound such as a gobble. It is an up-close-and-personal type of vocalization. And if you hear it, it likely means the bird is already in bowhunting range.
What Does Turkey Drumming Mean?
Like the mystery surrounding the sound’s origin, no one seems to be completely sure why turkeys make this peculiar sound. Since longbeards are strutting around trying to impress hens in the spring, it is generally assumed that it has something to do with mating rituals. Many hunters hear it when a bird is responding to their decoys.
However, it’s also crucial to keep in mind that turkeys strut all year long, so maybe the spit drum has additional meaning that we humans are just unable to understand. Turkey hunters would undoubtedly find things much easier if we had a translator, but regrettably, we do not.
Perhaps drumming is simply a way to intimidate rivals or establish territory. One thing is for sure: Its a sound you want to listen for each turkey season.
WILD TURKEY STRUT – DRUMMING, SPITTING, & DRAGGING
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