For those familiar with the large impressive Wild Turkey, seeing one of their nests for the first time can come as a bit of a surprise. Given their size, one might expect turkeys to construct an equally sizable nest. However, that is not the case.
Wild Turkey nests are quite minimalistic – just simple shallow depressions scratched into the ground. But what they lack in sophistication, they make up for in strategic location and camouflage.
In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at Wild Turkey nests. We’ll cover where they are located, what time of year hens build them, nest construction and appearance, egg laying and incubation, and more.
When and Where Wild Turkeys Build Nests
Wild Turkeys nest on the ground. Hens select sites that provide overhead cover such as dense shrubs or the low branches of trees. Ideal locations also have plenty of leaf litter or vegetation to help conceal the nest.
Specific nesting habitats vary across the turkey’s wide range. In northeastern forests, hens often nest at the base of hardwood trees. In the southwest, nest sites are typically found under mesquite trees or within clumps of vegetation in open scrub.
Nest building begins 4-8 weeks before the first eggs are laid. The timing of nest construction and egg laying depends on the region:
- Southern states: January to early March
- Northeastern states: March to mid-April
- Northern states: Mid-April to early May
Hens do not reuse the same nests year after year They build a new nest at a different site for each breeding season.
Nest Construction
Wild Turkey nests are simple affairs. To build her nest, a hen uses her feet to scratch out a shallow depression in the soil, about 1 to 1.5 inches deep. The dimensions average around 9-13 inches across and 8-11 inches long.
Nesting materials are not carried to the site. Instead, the hen constructs her nest using whatever leaves, twigs or vegetation happens to be present. As she sits on the nest during incubation, the hen continues adding materials.
Nest Appearance
From above, Wild Turkey nests appear as slight dips in the ground, often obscured by surrounding grass, leaves, or other plant matter. The interior of the nest matches the forest floor, lined with dead leaves, twigs, and debris.
From the side, nests look like shallow bowls, typically 1 to 1.5 inches deep. The sides are molded from loose dirt displaced by the hen’s scratching.
When undisturbed, nests blend seamlessly into the surroundings. Their camouflage helps conceal incubating hens from predators.
Egg Laying and Incubation
Once the nest is complete, the hen lays one egg per day until her clutch is complete. Clutch size averages 10 to 12 eggs but can reach 13 or more, especially for older hens
Incubation begins after the final egg is laid. The hen stays on the nest continually during the 28 day incubation period, leaving only briefly once a day to feed.
Throughout incubation, the hen continues adding nesting material. This helps insulate the eggs and obscures their white shells, providing additional camouflage.
Raising Poults
Turkey chicks (poults) hatch after 28 days of incubation. They leave the nest shortly after hatching but return to it for shelter at night.
Around 10 to 14 days after hatching, the poults grow large enough to roost in trees with their mother at night. At this point, the nest is abandoned.
Mortality rates for Wild Turkey poults are quite high, up to 75% in the first month. After this vulnerable stage, the nest is considered a success if at least 2 poults from the brood survive.
Unique Aspects of Wild Turkey Nests
Compared to the large, elaborate nests constructed by many bird species, Wild Turkey nests are remarkably simple. However, these modest scrapes in the dirt are carefully selected by hens and well-adapted for raising the next generation of turkeys. Here are some notable features:
- Built entirely with materials already at the site, no nesting materials carried in
- Shallow bowl shape with sides formed from displaced soil
- Dimensions average 9-13 inches across and 8-11 inches long
- Depth typically 1 to 1.5 inches
- Rely on camouflage rather than structure for concealment
- Lined with leaves, twigs, and debris to mimic surroundings
- Nests not reused, a new site is selected each year
- Incubating hen continues adding materials to improve insulation and camouflage
So while rudimentary in construction, Wild Turkey nests are carefully crafted to give eggs and newly hatched poults the best chances of survival. Their inconspicuous appearance helps hens stay safely on the nest while minimizing detection by predators.
Next time you come across a slight depression filled with leaves on the forest floor, take a closer look. It just might be a Wild Turkey nest!
Nesting on the ground is a risky business. Each day is full of danger and brings a new challenge for a nesting hen, which is what makes their feat so impressive.
Poults are extremely susceptible to weather and predators in the first four weeks after they hatch. If they make it past that point, the production is considered a success. It’s important for enough young turkeys to be produced that offset the annual loss, so populations remain sustainable.
Breed first, nest later
Copulation or breeding must first take place for hens to produce fertile eggs.
The timing of breeding is determined by the female turkey and researchers are now learning that physical conditioning may have a greater influence on reproduction. Reserachers believe a hen is not suited to take on the rigors of nesting unless physically in a condition to do so. Therefore, poor conditioning caused by poor nutrition can be blamed for late nesting.
It takes hens about two weeks to lay a full complement of nine to 13 eggs. Hens will only visit the nesting site long enough to deposit her egg for the day. The rest of her time will be spent elsewhere feeding and roosting.
At the end of the laying period, incubation starts. During this time, the hen puts herself in danger to stay on the nest day and night for about 28 days. She needs to bulk up prior to nesting and may take a brief recess period around mid-day to feed on protein-packed insects.
What does wild turkey nesting cover look like?
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