A group of turkeys is an incredibly fascinating natural occurrence and has been the topic of discussion for centuries. The collective noun for a group of turkeys is determined by the number of birds in the flock and their gender. With the Thanksgiving season upon us, it’s a timely opportunity to explore this phenomenon. Every year millions of Americans take part in feasts and barbecues featuring turkey, and the knowledge of what a group of these creatures is called will add a layer of insight to the festivities. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at what a group of turkeys is called, as well as the behavior of these birds in the wild and in captivity. We’ll also explore the methods of communication used by turkeys and how they use these to form flocks. By the end of this article, readers will have a deeper appreciation for the birds that grace their tables each year.
1. A group of turkeys is called a rafter
Have you ever seen a group of turkeys and wondered what they’re called? Well, it’s time to find out! A group of turkeys is officially referred to as a “rafter” of turkeys. This term comes from the fact that turkeys tend to fly in a V-formation, similar to that of a raft of boats or raft of logs in the water. The group of turkeys is thought to provide aerodynamic support and protection for each other as they fly, which is why the term “rafter” has come to describe a group of turkeys.
2. A group of baby turkeys is called a clutch
Did you know that a group of baby turkeys is called a clutch? This refers to the fact that the female turkey lays her eggs in a nest, or clutch, of straw or leaves. The mother turkey will then sit on the eggs, or clutch, until they hatch, after which the newly hatched turkeys are known as poults. A poult is a term used to refer to a young turkey, and a group of poults is called a clutch.
3. A group of male turkeys is called a gobble
A group of male turkeys is a particularly interesting phenomenon. It is known as a gobble, and it is quite a sight to behold! A gobble is composed of numerous male turkeys that congregate during the mating season and strut around together. This behavior is unique to male turkeys, and the purpose of it is to attract the attention of the female turkeys. The males often make a loud ‘gobbling’ noise to signify their presence, hence the name. Seeing a gobble of turkeys is a sight that all nature lovers should behold at least once in their lives!
4. A group of female turkeys is called a hennery
A group of turkeys, like many other birds, has its own unique name. While a group of male turkeys is known as a “rafter” or a “gang”, a group of female turkeys is called a “hennery”. This hennery can range from a small group of two or three hens to a large flock of 30 or more. The term “hennery” originates from the English word “hen”, which is a female chicken. The term is apt for female turkeys, as they typically have a more subdued behavior than a group of their male counterparts.
5. A group of wild turkeys is called a flock
Did you know that a group of wild turkeys is called a flock? This is true for any species of wild turkey, including the North American wild turkey, the Mexican wild turkey, and the ocellated turkey. The term flock is also used to refer to groups of domesticated turkeys, too.
A flock of turkeys can range from just a small group of two or three birds, to a large number of many dozens of birds. Flocks in the wild often migrate together, and they can also flock together to provide protection from predators.
In general, turkeys are social animals and they often just like to hang out with each other. It’s also not uncommon to see flocks of turkeys meandering around in open fields or woodlands.
All in all, a group of turkeys is known by several names. Depending on their age, they can be referred to as a flock, gang, knot, rafter, team, or brood. Knowing what a group of turkeys is called can be useful in many situations, from writing a poem to a game of trivia. It is also a fun fact to share with others!