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Turkeys, both wild and domesticated, exhibit a range of fascinating behaviors. While they may seem docile, they can also be quite aggressive, especially during mating season.

Wild Turkeys:

• Social Structure: Wild turkeys live in flocks that can range in size from a few birds to several dozen. These flocks are typically composed of females and their young, with a dominant male, or tom, leading the group.
• Mating Behavior: During the spring, male turkeys engage in elaborate courtship displays, including strutting, fanning their tails, and gobbling. They can become quite aggressive during this time, competing with other males for the attention of females.
• Feeding Habits: Wild turkeys are omnivores, feeding on a variety of plant matter, including seeds, berries, and insects.
• Defensive Behavior: When threatened, wild turkeys may resort to aggressive tactics, such as hissing, gobbling, and even attacking.

Domesticated Turkeys:

• Domestication: Domesticated turkeys have been bred over centuries to be larger and more docile than their wild counterparts.
• Social Behavior: While domesticated turkeys may not exhibit the same level of social complexity as wild turkeys, they can still form social bonds with other turkeys and humans.
• Feeding Habits: Domesticated turkeys are typically fed a diet of commercial feed, though they may also be allowed to forage for additional food.

Understanding the behavior of turkeys can help us appreciate these fascinating birds and coexist peacefully with them.