If you ever been turkey hunting, you know how difficult it is be successful. These birds have sharp eyesight and sensitive hearing, but you might be asking yourself how many species of wild turkeys are there? 

In the United States, there are five main subspecies of wild turkeys, each with unique characteristics and habitats.

From the dense forests of the East to the open plains of the West, these subspecies have adapted to various environments, influencing their appearance and behavior.

Turkey Species In The United States

1. Eastern Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris)

The Eastern wild turkey is the most widespread subspecies, found primarily in the eastern half of the United States. These turkeys are known for their dark, iridescent plumage and their adaptability to diverse habitats such as hardwood forests and swamps. Eastern turkeys have relatively longer feathers and tend to be slightly larger than other turkey breeds. They are noted for their robust gobbling calls during mating season, which can carry over long distances.

Location: Found from Maine to parts of eastern Texas and as far north as southern Ontario.

Interesting Facts: Eastern turkeys have experienced population fluctuations due to habitat loss and hunting pressures, but conservation efforts have helped stabilize their numbers in recent decades.


2. Osceola Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo osceola)

Also known as the Florida turkey, the Osceola turkey is native to the peninsula of Florida. These turkeys have striking dark plumage with a greenish metallic sheen and less feathering on their legs compared to other subspecies. Osceola turkeys thrive in the dense swamps and pine forests of Florida, where they feed on a variety of plant matter and insects.

Location: Endemic to the peninsula of Florida.

Interesting Facts: Named after the famous Seminole leader Osceola, these turkeys are highly sought after by hunters and are known for their elusive behavior in their dense habitats. They are also widely known as the smallest turkey.

3. Rio Grande Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo intermedia)

The Rio Grande turkey is found in the southern Great Plains of the United States, preferring the semi-arid regions and brushy areas near streams and rivers. They have lighter plumage compared to Eastern turkeys, often with a copper or bronze tint. Rio Grande turkeys are adapted to open country habitats and are known for their distinct vocalizations and social behaviors.

Location: Found primarily in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and parts of New Mexico.

Interesting Facts: Rio Grande turkeys are more tolerant of drier conditions than other subspecies and have been successfully introduced into other states for hunting purposes.

4. Merriam's Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo merriami)

Merriam's is one of the most popular western turkeys. They have light gray to white-tipped plumage, which provides excellent camouflage in their rocky, forested habitats. Merriam's turkeys are known for their distinctive white tail feathers and are adapted to higher elevations where they forage on a variety of seeds, nuts, and insects.

Location: Found in the Rocky Mountains, Black Hills, Sierra Nevada, and other mountain ranges of the western United States.

Interesting Facts: Merriam's turkeys were named after C. Hart Merriam, an early 20th-century biologist known for his work on North American birds and mammals.

5. Gould's Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo mexicana)

Gould's turkey is the largest and most colorful of the breeds of wild turkey in America. They are native to the mountainous regions of northern Mexico and the southwestern United States. Gould's turkeys have bright copper and greenish-gold plumage, with long legs and a more slender build compared to other subspecies. They prefer open pine-oak forests and feed on acorns, nuts, and berries.

Location: Found in Arizona, New Mexico, and parts of northern Mexico.

Interesting Facts: Gould's turkeys have been successfully reintroduced into parts of Arizona and New Mexico, where conservation efforts have focused on preserving their unique genetics and habitats.

Wild Turkey Varieties

Here's a picture of turkeys in the wild - while showcasing how the different turkey species vary.  

Wild Turkey Varieties

My Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the United States is home to five distinct subspecies of wild turkeys, each adapted to its specific regional habitat. From the dense forests of the East to the rugged mountains of the West, these turkeys play important ecological roles and are valued both for their cultural significance and as game animals.

Conservation efforts continue to be vital in maintaining healthy populations of these iconic birds for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.