Tennessee wildlife
Wild turkey
Meleagris gallopavo
Habitat generalist, thrives in forests and fields, especially in spring.
See the Wild turkey up close
Best months
Mar · Apr · May
Best viewing at dawn in spring open fields; always check the park's wildlife report.
Where to look
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TennesseeCherokee National Forest, TennesseeLand Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, Tennessee
Conservation status
common native bird, stable in Tennessee
Good to know
What do wild turkeys eat?
They eat acorns, seeds, berries, insects, and small reptiles, foraging on the forest floor.
Are wild turkeys aggressive?
Males can be aggressive during breeding season (spring), but they generally avoid humans and are not a threat.
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