If you’ve ever seen several turkeys walking together, you might wonder—what exactly is a group of turkeys called? The official term is a rafter of turkeys. While you may also hear terms like flock or gang, “rafter” is the correct and recognized term used when referring to wild or domestic turkeys in a group.
Why Is It Called a “Rafter” of Turkeys?
The word “rafter” dates back centuries and originally referred to a grouping or collection of animals. In old English and Middle English, a “rafter” referred to something woven or grouped together—similar to how rafters support a roof. When turkeys group closely and move in coordination, it visually resembles a structured, connected formation, just like wooden rafters in architecture.
This descriptive term eventually became associated specifically with turkeys due to their tendency to move in organized flocks, especially during feeding or roosting.
Alternative Terms You Might Hear
Though “rafter” is the technically correct term, people often refer to turkey groups using more familiar names like:
- Flock: A general term for a group of birds.
- Gang: Sometimes used informally, especially for male turkeys.
- Drove: Used for groups of animals, including turkeys, but more common for livestock.
In scientific writing and wildlife biology, “rafter” and “flock” are most commonly accepted. “Flock” is more widely recognized by the general public.
How Turkeys Behave in Groups
Understanding turkey group behavior helps explain why they group and how they interact. Turkeys are social birds and rely on their group—especially in the wild—for safety, reproduction, and food discovery.
1. Social Structure
Turkeys travel in groups for protection and social organization. These groups can vary in size from a few individuals to dozens, depending on the time of year and region.
- Hens and poults: Female turkeys (hens) often group with their young (poults) during spring and summer.
- Gobblers: Male turkeys, also called toms or gobblers, often travel in smaller bachelor groups when not breeding.
2. Roosting Together
Turkeys often roost together in trees overnight for safety. Their group behavior at night gives added protection against predators, as more eyes and ears help detect threats.
3. Communication and Movement
Turkeys in a rafter communicate using soft clucks, yelps, and purrs. These sounds help them stay together, signal feeding opportunities, or alert each other to danger.
When Are Rafters of Turkeys Most Common?
Rafters are most visible during specific seasons when turkeys become more social:
- Fall and Winter: Turkeys form larger flocks to forage together and survive colder months.
- Spring: During mating season, hens and toms gather in larger areas, though toms often separate to display and compete.
- Summer: Hens form groups with poults, teaching them to forage and avoid predators.
Interesting Facts About Turkey Groups
Here are some fun and lesser-known facts about rafters of turkeys:
- Turkeys have a pecking order: Within a rafter, there’s a clear social hierarchy that determines feeding and roosting order.
- They remember group members: Turkeys recognize familiar faces and can remember social interactions with other group members.
- Rafter sizes vary: Wild turkey rafters can include as few as three or as many as thirty or more, depending on food supply and time of year.
Are Domestic Turkey Groups Also Called Rafters?
Yes, the term “rafter” can apply to domestic turkeys as well, although in farming settings, “flock” is more commonly used. In scientific and wildlife discussions, “rafter” remains the traditional and more formal term for both wild and domestic groups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a group of turkeys called a gaggle?
No. A “gaggle” refers to a group of geese, not turkeys. The correct term is “rafter.”
How many turkeys are in a rafter?
Rafters can range from small groups of 3 to large gatherings of 30 or more, especially in winter or near food sources.
Do turkeys stay in groups year-round?
Turkeys stay in groups for most of the year, but during breeding season, males and females may temporarily separate for mating behavior.
Conclusion: Now You Know What to Call a Group of Turkeys
The next time you see a bunch of turkeys crossing a field, you’ll know they’re not just a flock—they’re a rafter. This unique term reflects not only tradition but the tightly-knit nature of turkey behavior. Whether you’re a hunter, nature watcher, or simply curious, understanding the proper term adds richness to your wildlife vocabulary.
Want to learn more about turkey behavior and hunting tips? Keep exploring our wildlife guides for expert insights!