MNR researchers monitor wild game populations to help inform resource management in Ontario. MNR researchers and partners recently completed a wild turkey study where they compared roost trees to non-roost trees. The purpose of this study was to better understand how wild turkeys choose seasonal roost sites at the northern edge of their range.
The team considered tree structure, nearby habitat features and resources, and microclimate. They found that in the winter months turkeys chose larger trees rather than trees that offered more warmth. They also found a link between winter roost sites and human activity. This suggests wild turkeys may be relying on waste grain and livestock feed as supplemental food sources.
Wild turkeys are very social birds that roost communally in trees year-round. In northern areas, winter survival is a challenge due to:
- restricted access to natural foods
- snow cover
- longer nights
- colder temperatures
Surprisingly, the results of the study suggest that staying warm is not the driving force behind wild turkey roost selection.
When selecting their roost, wild turkeys prioritized predator avoidance over access to resources.
Results of this work can support resource management decision making. It will help researchers understand habitat features needed to support sustainable turkey populations. Results can also help predict where wild turkeys might migrate as their range expands north in response to changes in climate.
Read the report and learn more about the findings of this study.