Carrie Zylka shares 6 ways to tell the difference between a gobbler and a hen while in the field, in this post originally published at “The Wild World of CarrieZ.”
When you’re out there, sitting in a blind or calling against a tree and a flock of turkeys come in, how do you know which one to take?
Size: Adult males usually weigh between 15-25 pounds where a female is usually much smaller, topping out around 10 pounds.
Feathers: Like 99% of all bird species, Toms have flashy, iridescent feathers to not only attract a female but to draw predators away. A Jake’s (immature male) center tail feathers will be longer than the rest of the fan where a mature Tom’s tail feathers will be even. Hens have feathers geared towards camouflage to hide them and their eggs when sitting on a nest.
Head: A Tom’s head is usually featherless and can change colors from red, white or blue. A Hen will have a blue head. Both sexes will have the bumpy growths on their heads known as caruncles and both also have a snood – a long fleshy growth that will hang over their bill. A Tom’s snood will be considerably longer than a Hen’s.
As a turkey hunter, being able to distinguish between tom and hen turkeys is an essential skill While hens are legal to hunt in some areas, in most states only bearded turkeys, which are nearly always toms, can be legally harvested Being able to confidently identify the gender of a turkey will ensure ethical hunts and avoid potential run-ins with the law. Luckily, there are some easy ways to tell toms and hens apart.
Size Differences
The most obvious difference between male and female turkeys is their size. Tom turkeys are substantially larger than hens. A mature tom can weigh between 20-30 pounds on average, while hens typically do not exceed 12 pounds.
Toms also have much longer legs and a stockier body overall. The silhouette of a tom will appear rectangular and broad compared to a hen’s petite oval shape when viewed from a distance. Up close, the larger frame and thick legs of a tom relative to a hen will be apparent.
However, size is not a completely foolproof indicator. Young juvenile male turkeys, known as jakes, may be similar in size to a large adult hen early in the season. Look for other distinguishing features in addition to size to be certain.
Coloration and Markings
Plumage can also be a helpful clue In general, toms sport iridescent, shiny feathers in brilliant hues while hens have more muted, earthy tones
Toms display vibrant shades of red, green, copper, and bronze, especially on their breast feathers and tails. Watch for flashes of color as the bird moves. Hens are more uniform in appearance, with feathers skewing towards shades of brown and gray.
Also look at the tips of the tail feathers, The feathers of a hen’s tail will be edged in pale tan or buff Tom’s tails have a distinct black band around the outer edges This black band may also show metallic glints or a sharp dividing line between colors,
Head and Neck Characteristics
When examining a turkey’s head and neck region, clear structural differences emerge between toms and hens.
Toms possess fleshy bright red/white/blue colored head and neck skin called caruncles and snoods which become engorged and enlarge during mating season displays. Hens’ heads are feathered and more uniform steely blue in color with less pronounced fleshy areas.
In addition, toms sport a thick “beard” of hair-like feathers protruding a foot or more from their upper breast. Hens may grow thin wispy beards, but they are rarely over a few inches long. The presence of a long, robust beard is a sure sign the turkey is a male.
Behavioral Differences
The behavior and vocalizations of toms and hens also provide helpful clues. You can often hear a tom before you see him!
Toms are well known for their loud, resonant gobbling calls which carry over long distances. The gobble serves to attract hens and announce the presence of the tom during mating season. Hens may cluck or purr softly but do not gobble.
Toms also engage in showy strutting displays, fanning their tail feathers and puffing their bodies up to impress watching females. While hens may occasionally strut, the behavior is far more pronounced and exaggerated in males.
By tuning your eyes and ears towards key differences in size, coloration, anatomy, movement, and sounds, distinguishing that silhouette in the distance as a tom or hen turkey becomes a much easier task. With practice, hunters can confidently identify gender well before taking a shot.
Tips for Identifying Young Juvenile Toms
While the characteristics distinguishing adult toms from hens may be clear cut, differentiating young juvenile male turkeys, known as jakes, from hens, can be more challenging. However, there are some strategies to help determine the sex of younger turkeys.
Early in the spring, examine the turkey’s overall body shape. Jakes appear stockier with a thicker neck and legs, while juvenile hens have a slimmer profile.
Also look for signs of a developing beard protruding from the breast, even if it is only an inch or two long. Check the tail for the presence of black banding on the outer feathers.
Listen for gobbling and strutting behavior too. Young jakes will be attempting these mating behaviors even if their calls are still high-pitched and their displays unpolished. A hen is unlikely to gobble or strut.
With close examination and attention to detail, the gender of young turkeys can be successfully identified.
Final Tips for Accurate Identification
When differentiating toms from hens, remember that no single characteristic should be relied upon exclusively. Consider all evidence together – size, coloring, anatomy, sounds, behaviors – to make the most informed identification.
Also, give yourself plenty of time to observe the turkey from multiple angles before reaching a conclusion. Snap judgements increase the odds of misidentification. If unsure, do not take the shot.
With knowledge of the key physical and behavioral differences, and patience in observation, turkey hunters can master the skills needed for ethical, responsible hunting. The ability to accurately tell a tom from a hen is vital for success.
Turkey Identification – Turkey Hunting for Beginners
FAQ
How do I tell if my turkey is male or female?
How to tell a gobbler from a hen turkey?
Is a hen or tom turkey better?
How do you know if a Turkey is a hen or a Tom?
The head and neck of a turkey are key features to look for when trying to differentiate between a hen and a tom turkey. Male wild turkeys, also known as toms, have a larger head and a longer neck than female turkeys, or hens. Toms have a fleshy protuberance on their head called a snood, which can change size depending on the turkey’s mood.
What is the difference between a turkey hen and a Tom?
Turkey hens and toms may be distinguished from one another by size. Toms often weigh more than hens, have thicker bones, and less meat is palatable. The fleshy protuberance on a turkey’s beak, known as the snood, is likewise more pronounced in males than females. The label on a turkey you are buying can also say if it is a hen or a tom.
How do you tell a Tom from a hen?
Facial features are another surefire way to differentiate toms from hens. For instance, it is easy to notice that wild toms have heads that are a blend of white, blue, and red coloring. Their female counterparts have dominantly blue or blue-gray heads that rarely have any red coloring.
How do you know if a Turkey is a Jake or a Tom?
In summary, hunters can differentiate between jakes and mature toms by examining their size, tail feathers, coloration, beards, and spurs. With a little bit of knowledge and experience, hunters can become more confident in their ability to tell the difference between the two. Identifying the gender of a turkey is crucial for turkey hunting.