Turkey Communication

[T.R. Michels]

This is from my Turkey Addict's Manual - I hope it helps.

Turkey Communication
Hunters and game callers may not realize that communication among animals is not just sound, it is a combination of sounds, body posture, movement, and, in mammals, scent. The difference in the meaning between two calls that sound alike is often determined by the body posture or movement of the animal making the call. When you are calling, you need to understand the meaning of the call, and when it is used. Unless you are using decoys, it is difficult for you to recreate the body posture or movement associated with the call.

Movement Sounds
There are sounds other than vocalizations that are associated with animals. The movement of the animal alone creates a sound that is associated by other animals as coming from a particular species of animal. Turkeys have a way of walking and feeding that produces a particular sound, deer produce a different tempo and volume when they walk. Turkeys make a lot of scratching noises when they feed, along with the calls they make. If a turkey hears soft putts, purrs and whines along with the sound of soft steps and scratching, it thinks a flock of turkeys is feeding.

When turkeys fly down from the roost they often perform a call referred to as the "flying cackle". They also produce a flapping sound with each beat of their wings. A turkey hearing the combination of both the wing beats and the "cackle" thinks another bird has flown down from its roost. A turkey hearing a fighting purr expects to hear the other sounds associated with a fight. When two birds fight they jump into the air while they flap their wings and try to peck or kick and spur each other. When a turkey struts it often spits and drums; at close range the sound of the wing tips of a strutting tom may be heard dragging the ground.

As you can see it's not just the call, but the other sounds, and the action or posture of the body of the animal, in combination with the call, that relays the meaning of the call to other turkeys. You cannot recreate most of these movements and body postures, but if you know when and why they occur you can produce the calls and sounds associated with the movements and postures at the proper time.

Vocalizations
An understanding of the different calls that turkeys use to communicate will help when you are trying to call turkeys. Turkey researchers have described as many as 20 different turkey calls in in six basic categories: Agonistic (you're too close, this is my space), Alarm, Contact (here I am- where are you), Flying, Maternal/Neonatal and Advertising/Mating.


If you have questions - fire away ...

God bless and good hunting,

T.R.

[Spinach]

Welcome back T.R., I missed reading your articles while you were away.

Great to see you back online again. 

[T.R. Michels]

Aw geez ... you are gonna make me feel - well actually liked. 

I don't often take part in many topics, because I don't have time.

But, when the hunting season is coming up - I try to post something relevant.

I hope this was.

If ANYONE has questions on something I can help on, and I'm not here - just e-mail me at TRMichels@yahoo.com - and I'll get over here.

God bless and good hunting,

T.R. 

[JohnWester]

yeah, hey welcome back T.R. I too missed your posts.
don't be a stranger, and nice read.

[T.R. Michels]

As I said- you guys are gonna make me feel - almost liked (well maybe appreciated, but not necessarily liked).   

Anyhow - thanks.

God bless and good hunting,

T.R.