Wild Turkey
(Meleagris gallopavo)
These game birds feed at all elevations on grasses, forbs, mast, and insects. Populations are stable. Silviculture practices can be harmful to the turkey. Nesting occurs in April and May with a preference for slopes >20%. Spring grazing of nest areas can reduce cover for birds. Eggs are incubated for 27-28 days and poults are brooded throughout summer. Brooding areas evidence high forb and grass densities. Merriam (M.g. Merriami) and Rio Grande (M.g. intemedia) subspecies occur in the region.
