Turkeys are interesting birds, known for their unique appearance, interesting behaviors, and significance in various cultures. Whether you are a bird enthusiast, a curious learner, or a pet bird owner, you might have wondered: What do you call a group of turkeys? The answer is the word rafter, which may not be as commonly heard as other collective nouns for animals, such as a flock of birds or a pack of wolves. In this article, we will discover some of the terminology used in relation to turkeys, social behavior, and some interesting facts about these creatures.
The Correct Term: A Rafter of Turkeys
While a group of many other birds, which are more commonly grouped together under the title “flocks,” is known as a rafter, this term’s origins are debated and are thought to have come from old English hunting terminology. Many people also refer to a gang or flock of turkeys, but “rafter” is the proper collective noun.
Why Are Turkeys Called a Rafter?
The word rafter goes back hundreds of years, and may be from the way wild turkeys roost in trees. Turkeys like to sleep perched on branches, just like the beams or “rafters” in barns and buildings. It is likely this behavior led to the term “rafter” being applied to groups of turkeys.
Alternative Terms for Groups of Turkeys
Although “rafter” is the best term, other names are used to describe group of turkeys:
- Flock – Most commonly used when describing domestic turkeys or general birds.
- Gang – Used sometimes to describe wild turkeys due to their bold and sometimes aggressive nature.
- Brood – Describes a family unit of turkeys, most often a mother and her chicks (poults).
Social Behavior of Turkeys
Turkeys are birds that like living and moving in groups. The flocking nature helps to keep them protected from predators, increasing their survival in the wild.
Wild Turkeys vs. Domestic Turkeys
- Wild turkeys are flock animals with an established pecking order. Males are known as toms or gobblers and gain dominance through the use of display and vocalizations. Females, or hens, make up groups in which to raise their young.
- Domesticated turkeys differ from wild birds in socialization due to selective breeding and being captive. Domesticated turkeys are generally much more docile and less prone to flight.
How Turkeys Communicate Within Their Rafters
They use a form of: communications that includes vocalizations, body language, and visual indicators. Here are some common sounds turkeys make:
- Gobbling – Usually made by males that will gobble to attract females or show dominance.
- Purring – A soft purr indicates relaxation or content.
- Yelping – Hens will also yell to locate the members of their group.
- Clucking – Social call made by turkeys within a rafter.
Fun Facts About Turkeys and Their Groups
They are so much more than just a holiday meal; they are smart and interesting birds. Here are some cool facts:
- Turkeys Have Excellent Vision – They can see in color, and have a wide field of view, making them hard to sneak up on when seeing them in the wild.
- They Can Run and Fly Fast – Despite how big they can be, wild turkeys run at 20 mph and can fly at up to 55 mph.
- They Have Strong Social Bonds – They call their rafters for protection and companionship.
- Male Turkeys Show Off – During mating season, toms puff out feathers, fan tails, and strut to impress the females.
- Turkeys Have a Unique Head Color Change: They have a special head color change, depending on their mood, and their head can change from red to white to blue.
FAQ’s
A group of wild turkeys is known as a rafter or sometimes a flock. Wild turkeys are a social bird, roaming in a group for both safety and social reasons. Rafters have hens, poults, and a dominant male toms that are pecked according to dominance levels. These birds use calls, including gobbling, clucking, and yelping, to communicate.
A group of turkeys is called “rafters of turkeys.” The correct collective noun for the class “turkey” is “rafter,” so when referring to lots, you would use the plural term “rafters of turkeys.” However, people also like to refer to it in common parlance using the terms “flocks of turkeys” or simply “groups of turkeys.”.
Conclusion
Knowing some turkey terminology and learning about their behavior adds depth to your appreciation for these amazing birds. The next time you see a group of turkeys, you’ll know the group is called a rafter—a term that is steeped in history and nature. Whether it is observing turkeys in the wild or raising them in captivity, knowing social behaviors and communication styles adds to your knowledge and connection with these incredible birds.
If you are interested in learning more about bird terminology, turkey care, or birdwatching tips, keep watching our blog for more exciting content!
