Can Wild Turkeys Fly? (Height, Speed, Distance + FAQs)

Domestic turkeys are classified as flightless birds, and it’s almost impossible to imagine their plump bodies gaining enough lift from the ground to lift into the air.

Is the same true for free-roaming turkeys, or do wild turkeys fly? Read on to learn more about wild turkeys, whether they can take to the skies, and if so, how far and how fast.

Wild turkeys do have some limited flight ability, propelling themselves into the air in short, powerful bursts. They rely on flight to reach overnight roosts in tree branches to avoid predators, but cannot fly long distances in the air.

Unlike their domesticated relatives, wild turkeys do need to get off the ground periodically to avoid threats or to enter overnight roosts in the woodland canopy above their foraging range on the forest floor.

This instinctive flight response kicks in when they sense danger, but they’re not built for long flights, reaching great altitudes, or sustaining high speeds.

Join us for a closer look at wild turkey flight and discover why wild turkeys can fly while domesticated turkeys can’t.

wild turkey in flight

How far can wild turkeys fly?

Wild turkeys are better suited for walking than flying, spending the vast majority of their lives foraging on the ground. Flying is just saving for necessity, not moving from one place to another. They are only capable of short flights, typically up to about 400 meters (less than a quarter of a mile).

How fast do wild turkeys fly?

The average speed in flight of a wild turkey is a staggering 90 km/h (55 mph), but these hulking birds cannot maintain this speed for long periods of time or over great distances. Once in the air, the wild turkey will quickly reach its intended perch, or land on the ground at a safe distance from threats that scare it away.

On land, wild turkeys can cover more ground and reach running speeds of about 40 km/h (25 mph).

Rio Grande turkey flies over fence in Texas hill country

How high can wild turkeys fly?

Wild turkeys fly at relatively low altitudes, high enough to reach the thickest main branches of hardwood trees. Some of the highest perches reached by wild turkeys are about 15 meters (50 ft) above the ground, but lower perches are also used, between 6 and 9 meters (20-30 ft).

They tend to habitually revisit a popular roost, and if they find a thick horizontal branch under the trunk, there is usually no need to fly to a higher branch.

A flock of wild turkeys flying in winter

How long can wild turkeys fly?

Wild turkeys are only good for short flights, so long or leisurely flights are not possible. Turkey’s breast muscles don’t develop in the air for long. That’s because the turkey’s stores of the chemical glycogen, which it needs to maintain its strength while in the air, are quickly depleted during the flight.

At what age can small wild turkeys start to fly?

Small wild turkeys, known as juveniles, begin to fly about 4 to 5 weeks after hatching. Until then, the young are reared and protected by the female on the ground. Once they’ve mastered the art of flight, young turkeys are soon making short flights to spend the night in trees with their mothers.

A wild turkey flies across the river

Do wild turkeys migrate?

Wild turkeys lack the long-term flight capability necessary to fly sufficient distances for normal migration. Since they cannot successfully perform migratory flights, they need to find other ways to acclimatize when temperatures drop and can survive in temperatures as low as 4°C (40°F), using their body fat to keep warm.

Wild turkeys can survive about two weeks without food, so when severe winters arrive, they may choose to find safe perches in high tree branches and go into a longer period of hibernation.

Can wild turkeys swim?

Wild turkeys are capable swimmers. Their chosen natural habitat is usually near water, occasionally dropping into rivers or lakes while foraging, and although they have no webbed feet, they have no trouble moving through the water. They swim by spreading their tails, holding their wings close to their bodies, and kicking the water with powerful feet.

Wild turkey ready to fly in a field

Why can’t domestic turkeys fly?

Turkeys were first domesticated about 2,000 years ago, and over time they have evolved, losing the need and ability to fly. They are bred for meat and thus usually have larger breasts and are a bit heavier than wild turkeys, but are less agile.

Domestic turkeys have immature wings for any form of flight, but they don’t need to because they have secure overnight enclosures that keep them safe from predators.

Do wild turkeys sleep in trees?

Wild turkeys roost in trees every night to hide from predators. They usually choose large trees with broad, horizontal branches, such as oaks, sycamores, and cottonwoods. Wild turkeys prefer to perch in trees on the edges of open areas rather than dense forests for ease of flight, and will choose habitats close to food and water sources.

Once in position on a broad, strong branch, the turkey assumes a squatting position and grabs the branch with its feet, allowing it to balance overnight without falling over.

A flock of wild turkeys perched on a tree at night

Can wild turkeys fly?

Wild turkeys are better suited for running than flying, but they can take short bursts of powerful flight when needed. They aren’t built for graceful flight, but can fly to hide from predators or find nocturnal roosts in trees. While wild turkeys can’t fly long distances or sustain high speeds, they do often use their flight abilities to get away from threats.