Wild turkeys, a familiar sight in many parts of North America, gather in groups with a surprisingly specific name. While most birds are grouped into “flocks,” turkeys are called a “rafter” – a term that reflects their unique social behavior and survival strategies.
Why “Rafter” and Not “Flock?”
The term “rafter” isn’t just a quirky bit of ornithological trivia. It points to how turkeys live together. Unlike geese (a “gaggle”) or crows (a “murder”), turkeys spend much of their time foraging, roosting, and moving as a cohesive unit for safety. This grouping behavior is particularly visible outside breeding season, when both males and females will form rafters to reduce predation risk.
Social Dynamics: Gangs, Posses, and Family Units
Beyond “rafter,” turkeys are sometimes called a “gang” or “posse”, particularly when large groups of mature males congregate. This highlights their competitive nature, especially during mating season. Outside of breeding season, hens with their young (“poults” ) may form separate, smaller family units.
The distinction between wild and domesticated turkeys matters here. Farm-raised turkeys are bred for size and kept in large, often indoor, groups. Wild turkeys, however, retain the instinct to roost in trees and fly short distances – behaviors that shape how they gather.
From Benjamin Franklin’s Preference to Modern Observation
Interestingly, Benjamin Franklin advocated for the turkey as the U.S. national bird over the bald eagle, praising its courage and usefulness. While that didn’t happen, it underscores the bird’s historical significance.
Today, researchers continue to study turkey behavior, from their complex social hierarchies to their survival strategies in the wild. Knowing that a group of turkeys is called a rafter isn’t just a fun fact; it’s a window into their unique place in North American ecology.
In essence, the term “rafter” reflects not just how turkeys gather, but why – as a collective effort to survive and thrive in their natural habitat.
