Have you ever wondered why people refer to turkeys as “Tom” or if all turkeys are really boys? This quirky question often pops up around Thanksgiving, especially when kids get curious about the big bird on the table. Let’s explore where the name “Tom turkey” comes from, the difference between male and female turkeys, and some fun facts that will make you the turkey expert at your next family gathering!
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Why Are Turkeys Called “Tom”?
The term “Tom turkey” is commonly used in the United States to refer to a male turkey. But how did this name come about? The story goes back to the early 1800s, when Benjamin Franklin famously advocated for the turkey to be America’s national bird instead of the bald eagle. During that time, it was common for people to give animals human names. “Tom” simply became a popular nickname for a male turkey, similar to how we call male cats “Tomcats.”
Over time, “Tom” stuck as the go-to name for male turkeys, and now it’s widely recognized across the country. So, when someone says “Tom turkey,” they’re specifically talking about a boy turkey!
Are All Turkeys Boys?
Not at all! Just like with most animals, turkeys come in both male and female varieties. The males are called “Toms,” while the females are called “hens.” Both play important roles in the turkey world.
- Tom (Male) Turkeys: These are usually larger, have more colorful feathers, and display impressive tail fans. They also have a fleshy wattle that hangs from their neck and a snood that dangles over their beak.
- Hen (Female) Turkeys: Hens are generally smaller, less colorful, and do not fan their tails as dramatically as Toms. Their wattles and snoods are much less pronounced.
So, if you see a turkey strutting around with a big fanned tail and bright colors, you’re probably looking at a Tom!
How Can You Tell the Difference Between a Tom and a Hen?
There are several ways to distinguish between male and female turkeys:
- Size: Toms are noticeably larger than hens.
- Color: Males have more vibrant feathers, especially during mating season.
- Tail Fan: Only Toms fan out their tail feathers in a dramatic display.
- Snood and Wattle: Toms have longer snoods (the fleshy bit over their beaks) and larger wattles (the skin under their necks).
- Gobble: Only male turkeys gobble. Hens make softer clucking sounds instead.
Fun Turkey Facts
- Wild vs. Domestic Turkeys: Wild turkeys can fly short distances, but domestic turkeys raised for food usually can’t fly at all because they’re much heavier.
- Unique Sounds: Toms gobble loudly to attract females, while hens use quieter calls to communicate with their chicks.
- Feather Display: When trying to impress a hen or warn off rivals, a Tom will puff up his feathers, fan his tail, and strut around.
- Beard: Some Toms grow a tuft of coarse hair-like feathers called a “beard” from their chest. Rarely, some hens can have small beards too!
- Lifespan: Wild turkeys can live up to 10 years, but most domestic turkeys live much shorter lives due to farming practices.
Why Do People Get Confused?
It’s easy to see why people—especially kids—might think all turkeys are boys if they hear adults talking about “Tom turkeys” all the time. During Thanksgiving, we often see images of big, colorful turkeys with fanned tails (which are always Toms), so it’s natural for this confusion to happen.
In reality, both male and female turkeys are important! Hens lay eggs and raise chicks (called poults), while Toms show off with their stunning displays.
What About Other Turkey Names?
- Poult: A baby turkey is called a poult.
- Jake: A young male turkey is called a Jake.
- Jenny: A young female turkey is called a Jenny.
Turkey Myths Debunked
- Myth: All turkeys gobble. Only Toms gobble; hens make other sounds.
- Myth: Turkeys are dumb. Actually, turkeys are quite smart and have excellent vision and hearing!
- Myth: Turkeys can’t fly. Wild turkeys can fly up to 55 miles per hour for short bursts!
FAQs About Turkeys
- Q: Why do we eat Toms for Thanksgiving?
- A: Most commercial turkeys raised for Thanksgiving are bred for size and meat quality. Both males and females can be used for food, but Toms are often larger.
- Q: Can female turkeys gobble?
- A: No, only male turkeys gobble. Hens make clucking or yelping sounds instead.
- Q: What is the red thing on a turkey’s neck?
- A: That’s called a wattle! It’s more prominent on males but present on both sexes.
- Q: How do turkeys attract mates?
- A: Male turkeys puff up their feathers, fan their tails, strut around, and gobble loudly to get the attention of hens.
- Q: Are wild turkeys different from farm turkeys?
- A: Yes! Wild turkeys are slimmer, faster, and can fly. Farm turkeys are bred for size and usually cannot fly due to their weight.
The Bottom Line
The next time someone asks if all turkeys are boys or why we call them “Tom,” you’ll know the answer! Not all turkeys are Toms—there are hens too, each with unique roles in nature. The nickname “Tom” just stuck over time for male turkeys. So whether you’re carving the Thanksgiving bird or spotting wild turkeys in your backyard, you’ll be able to tell the difference between a Tom and a hen like a true turkey expert!
Happy turkey spotting!