A Tale of Three Turkeys

 It may surprise some to know that there are six different types (or subspecies) of wild turkeys in North America, three of which occur in Texas. These three subspecies are the Rio Grande, Eastern and Merriam’s wild turkeys. Rio Grande wild turkeys, or Rio’s for short, are the most numerous subspecies in Texas, followed by the Eastern turkey in East Texas, and  Merriam’s in far West Texas with the smallest population.

 Rio Grande wild turkeys

  Rio’s are characterized by a coppery iridescence, tan-to-yellow tips on their tail feathers and somewhat disproportionately long legs compared to their counterparts to the east and west. Rio hens typically weigh between 8 and 12 pounds while gobblers are closer to 20. Hens have similar coloration to the gobblers though duller. Rio’s require savannah-type habitats with intermixed grasslands and wooded areas.

Below: Eastern wild turkey

Eastern turkeys are fairly similar to Rio’s in size and appearance, but with dark buff to chocolate colored tips on the tail feathers. Hens are also similarly colored, but duller. These guys like denser forest habitat found in the Piney Woods and some parts of the Post Oak Belt. Though Rio’s are more numerous in Texas, the Eastern subspecies is the most numerous and widespread across the United States.

  The Merriam’s subspecies exhibits jet black body feathers with white tips. Tail feathers are black and brown but also feature white tips. They also have extensive white lines, called barring, on the wing feathers. Combine this coloration with blue-to-purple iridescence on the body feathers and you have quite the striking bird. Size is similar to Rio’s, though these turkeys prefer the Pinion Pine sky-island habitats of the Trans-Pecos mountains.

For more information on managing Rio Grande Wild Turkey, check out the Texas AgriLife Extension Bookstore at www.agrilifebookstore.org



Left: Merriam's wild turkey













Photo Credit:

Eastern wild turkey: New Hampshire Fish & Game at http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Wildlife/Wildlife_profiles/profile_wild_turkey.htm

Merriam's wild turkey: The Wild Turkey Zone at
http://www.wildturkeyzone.com/wildturkey/merriams.htm

References:

Kennamer, Mary C. "Rio Grande Wild Turkey." National Wild Turkey Federation Bulletin No.3. Print.
Kennamer, Mary C. "Eastern Wild Turkey." National Wild Turkey Federation Bulletin No.1. Print
Kennamer, Mary C. "Merriam’s Wild Turkey." National Wild Turkey Federation Bulletin No.4. Print.