How Fast Can Turkeys Fly? The Surprising Speeds These Large Birds Can Reach

Many people are surprised to learn that turkeys, those large and somewhat ungainly looking birds, can actually fly. While domesticated turkeys have lost much of their natural flying ability through selective breeding, wild turkeys are capable of flight speeds that can rival some smaller bird species.

An Overview of Turkeys’ Flying Abilities

Wild turkeys are able to fly short distances at impressive speeds. They can reach up to 55 miles per hour in the air through powerful bursts of flight This speed allows them to evade predators on the ground and reach safe roosting spots in trees

Even though 55 miles per hour is their top speed wild turkeys generally fly between 40 and 55 miles per hour. They need this burst of speed to escape dangerous situations quickly. Wild turkeys are much better adapted for walking than flying so they usually only take flight when feeling threatened.

Domesticated turkeys, on the other hand, have largely lost the ability to fly. Through selective breeding focused on producing birds with more breast meat for consumption, domestic turkeys have become too large and heavy to get airborne

Why Wild Turkeys Can Fly So Fast

Wild turkeys didn’t always boast impressive flight speeds. Their flying abilities have evolved over time to help them survive better in their natural habitat. There are several key adaptations that allow wild turkeys to fly as fast as 55 miles per hour:

• Powerful Muscles – Wild turkeys have strong breast muscles that provide the power needed for short bursts of fast flight. When they fly, their muscles use up energy quickly, so they can’t stay in the air for extended periods.

• Lightweight Bones – Their bones are lightweight, which prevents excessive weight that would hinder flying.

• Long Wings – With wingspans reaching up to 5 feet, wild turkeys have the wing area needed to generate enough lift for flight.

• Shape of Wings – The cupped shape of their wings provides them with good lift and the ability to get airborne rapidly. This wing shape is described as having “camber” in aerodynamic terms.

• Strong Legs – Wild turkey legs are key in propelling them into the air. Their legs give them the powerful jump start they need to take flight.

Limits on Speed and Distance

While wild turkeys are capable of spectacular speed, they can’t maintain these top speeds for very long. Their flight abilities are designed for short bursts covering short distances.

On average, wild turkeys only fly about 100-400 yards at a time. Their wing muscles are fueled by glycogen, which burns up quickly to allow those blazing fast getaways. This means they need to rest between flights.

Their wings are also not well equipped for long-distance flight. The shape that gives them such rapid takeoff works against them for flying mile after mile.

So while wild turkeys can zip through the air, they can’t migrate like some avian species. Still, their flight abilities are crucial for their survival, enabling them to escape predators in a flash.

How Wild Turkeys Use Their Speed

Wild turkeys rely on those short bursts of max speed flight for two key purposes:

Escaping Predators – When predators like foxes, coyotes, bobcats or dogs start to chase them on the ground, wild turkeys take to the air. Their 55 mph flights allow them to get away in seconds. Even athletic predators can’t match a speed like that on the ground.

Reaching Roosts – Each night, wild turkeys fly up into trees to roost, safe from predators. Their speedy flying skills let them quickly soar up into trees about 6-15 meters off the ground in just moments.

By roosting in trees, wild turkeys stay safe from attacks during the night. Their speed gives them that quick escape into the treetops right as the sun starts to set.

Turkey Flight Shows the Power of Adaptation

The flying abilities of wild turkeys demonstrate the impressive power of adaptation. Turkeys evolved for life on the ground, but developed the ability to fly fast over short distances to avoid predation.

They can’t migrate or soar for miles on end. But with flight speeds rivaling some smaller birds, wild turkeys show that large size doesn’t have to hinder airborne agility. Their unique adaptations allow them to fly just as their survival needs dictate.

So while you may not expect it, wild turkeys are fast fliers. If you see one threatened by a predator, you’re likely to see it zip away at 55 miles per hour! Their speed is a remarkable evolutionary adaptation that continues to help the species thrive.