Wild turkeys have a diverse diet that includes both plant and animal matter. What wild turkeys eat consists of acorns, nut, seeds, berries, insects, small reptilesAnd amphibians. Wild turkeys are omnivorousand their diet varies according to the seasons. In the first weeks of life, insects make up 80% of the diet of a wild turkey. The wild turkey’s diet adapts to available food sources throughout the year, incorporating a wide range of plant and animal materials to meet its nutritional needs.
Wild Turkey Diet Overview
- Omnivorous diet: Regarding what wild turkeys eat, they are omnivoresconsuming a wide variety of plant and animal foods
- Seasonal variation: The wild turkey’s diet changes throughout the year depending on food availability And nutritional needs
- Foraging behavior: When searching for food sources for wild turkeys, they ground fodder in herds, scratch the earth to discover food
Plant-Based Food Sources for Wild Turkeys
Nuts and seeds
- Tassels: A main component of what wild turkeys eat, especially in fall and winter
- Other nuts: The wild turkey’s diet includes beechnuts, chestnuts, hickory nuts and pine nuts.
- Seeds: Various grass and plant seeds are food sources for wild turkeys
Fruits and berries
- Flexible mast: Wild turkeys eat blackberries, raspberries, mulberries and wild grapes
- Other fruits: The wild turkey’s diet includes fruits from skunkbrush, manzanita, and juniper plants.
Other plant materials
- Herbs and leaves: Shoots and soft green foliage are part of what wild turkeys eat
- Buds and flowers: Buds of trees and shrubs, flower bulbs are food sources for wild turkeys
- Agricultural crops: Corn, rye, oats and other grains contribute to the wild turkey’s diet
Animal Food Sources for Wild Turkeys
Insects and invertebrates
- Primary source of protein: Insects make up 80% what wild poults eat in their first weeks
- Common insects: Beetles, grasshoppers and termites are part of the wild turkey’s diet
- Other invertebrates: Worms and snails are food sources for wild turkeys
Small animals and reptiles
- Amphibians: Salamanders and tadpoles are part of the diet of wild turkeys
- Reptiles: Small snakes, lizards and turtles contribute to the wild turkey’s diet
- Small mammals: Occasionally consumed by wild turkeys
Seasonal Changes in What Wild Turkeys Eat
Spring
- New growth: Lush new vegetation, including skunk cabbage and Canada mayfly, are food sources for wild turkeys.
- Insects: Increased consumption of insects, particularly for laying hens
Summer
- Insects for poults: On 60% what wild poults eat is arthropods, mainly grasshoppers and beetles.
- Diversified plant material: Blackberries, fresh buds, flower bulbs, and a variety of edible plants are part of the wild turkey’s diet.
- Protein for shedding: Adult turkeys consume more insects to support feather growth during molting
Autumn
- Hard mast: Focus on Acorns and Other Nuts as Primary Food Sources for Wild Turkeys
- Agricultural Wastes: Grain waste and unharvested crops contribute to wild turkey diets
Winter
- Mast Scraps: Continued consumption of acorns and nuts as part of wild turkey diets
- Agricultural Sources: Grain waste, silage piles, and manure near farms are food sources for wild turkeys
Additional Dietary Considerations
- Grit Consumption: Wild turkeys eat small rocks and pebbles to aid in digestion
- Water Sources: Access to water is important to wild turkey diet and overall health.
FAQ
What Do Wild Turkeys Eat?
Wild turkeys are omnivores and eat a diverse diet of both plant and animal matter. Their diet includes acorns, nuts, seeds, berries, insects, small reptiles, and amphibians. The specific foods they eat vary seasonally based on availability and nutritional needs.
What is the major component of a wild turkey’s diet?
The major component of a wild turkey’s diet varies seasonally. In the fall and winter, acorns and other nuts are a major part of their diet. In the spring and summer, insects become more important, especially for young turkeys (poults). Plant matter, including seeds, berries, and tender vegetation, is consumed year-round.
How does a wild turkey’s diet change throughout the year?
A wild turkey’s diet changes with the seasons. In spring, they eat new vegetation and insects. Summer brings a variety of fruits, berries and insects. Autumn is dominated by acorns and other nuts. The winter diet consists of mast scraps, grain waste, and any vegetation they can find.
What are the main food sources of wild turkeys?
Primary food sources for wild turkeys include:
- Acorns and other nuts
- Seeds and berries
- Insects (especially for young turkeys)
- Tender vegetation and new growth
- Small reptiles and amphibians
- Agricultural crops and cereal waste
Do wild turkeys only eat plants or do they also eat animals?
Wild turkeys have an omnivorous diet, meaning they eat both plants and animals. Although much of their diet consists of plant matter like nuts, seeds, and berries, they also consume various insects, small reptiles, amphibians, and sometimes even small mammals. This diverse diet helps wild turkeys meet their nutritional needs throughout the year.