Turkeys pecking at cars is a phenomenon that many drivers encounter, especially in rural areas. Male turkeys, called toms, are often seen pecking at tires, bumpers, mirrors and other parts of vehicles as they drive by. This strange behavior leaves many people curious as to why turkeys seem so determined to peck at passing cars.
There are a few main theories as to why turkeys peck at cars:
Reflective surfaces trigger instinct
One of the most common explanations is that turkeys perceive their own reflections in the shiny surfaces of cars as rival turkeys. Toms are highly territorial and use aggressive pecking to establish dominance and defend their turf. So when a tom turkey sees his reflection in a car’s paint or chrome, he instinctively pecks at it to try to drive off the perceived rival male. This reaction is not unique to turkeys – many birds including robins and cardinals are known to peck at mirrors or reflective windows because they mistake their own reflection for an invader.
Dominance display
Some experts speculate that turkeys may also peck at passing vehicles as a display of dominance. In the wild, toms use aggressive posturing and pecking to establish their position in the social hierarchy. Pecking at large, moving objects like cars could be an attempt to prove to subordinates and competitors that they are bold and unafraid. So it may not be reflexive territorial behavior, but an intentional act to assert their status.
Curiosity
Young turkeys and juveniles are often the most likely to peck at cars. Some scientists think basic curiosity drives this behavior in younger birds. Turkeys use their beaks to explore their environment. They may peck at tires, bumpers and other parts of vehicles simply to investigate this large, novel moving object. Adult toms may initiate pecking out of territorial instincts, but poults and juveniles often join in out of youthful curiosity.
Attraction to reflections
Similar to the territorial reaction, the reflection theory posits that turkeys are attracted to the reflective surfaces of vehicles. But instead of seeing a rival, they see the reflections as potential mates. Toms perform courtship displays in front of hens by puffing up feathers, strutting and spreading their tails. They also use rapid head movements to catch and hold the attention of hens during breeding season. The sight of their own reflection catches their eye in the same way and triggers this instinctive courtship behavior.
When do turkeys peck cars?
Turkeys are most likely to peck at passing vehicles during their breeding season, which generally runs from early spring through early summer. The increase in hormones makes male turkeys more reactive and aggressive as they strut, fuss and fight to establish dominance and attract hens. They are bolder and less wary of potential threats like cars during this period.
Outside of mating season, turkeys may still peck at cars out of territorial instinct or curiosity, but the behavior is usually most frequent and fervent in spring and early summer. The exception is juvenile turkeys, who may peck out of curiosity throughout the warmer months when they are most active.
Spring
In spring, rising hormones initiate breeding behavior in male turkeys. This makes them highly alert for any perceived challenges or mating opportunities. They are primed and ready to peck at anything that encroaches on their turf or catches their eye – including vehicles.
Early summer
Breeding season continues through early summer. Toms are still strutting, displaying and pecking aggressively through June. The reflections and movements of passing cars arouse their territorial and courtship instincts throughout this period. Frequency of pecking incidents begins to taper off as summer progresses.
Fall and winter
Aggression and sexual responsiveness declines in the fall as breeding season ends. However, juveniles hatched earlier in the year are maturing and may peck at cars out of curiosity into the fall months. Pecking behavior reaches its nadir in the winter when turkeys enter their non-breeding period and are focused on survival. Cold weather and shorter days suppress hormones and activity levels.
When are turkeys most aggressive towards cars?
Male turkeys are most aggressive and likely to peck at passing vehicles during the peak breeding months of April, May and June. Let’s look at how their behavior changes throughout the year:
January-March
In early winter, low hormone levels minimize aggression. Toms are focused on survival – finding food and shelter, avoiding predators, and conserving energy. They are unlikely to react to cars.
April
Rising testosterone in April initiates breeding behaviors. Toms start strutting to prove their dominance and earn hens. They are alert for challengers and intruders. As a result, they are more likely to notice and peck at passing cars.
May
Testosterone peaks in May, making toms extremely reactive to any perceived threats. They are bold and eager to fight off competitor males. Reflections or movements of cars are very likely to provoke aggressive pecking.
June
Breeding season is waning in June, but toms’ hormones are still elevated. They remain feisty and attentive through the first weeks of summer. Cars will still be tempting targets for pecking.
July-December
As breeding season ends in summer, testosterone drops off. Toms become much less aggressive and reactive. They are unlikely to pay much attention to passing cars during the latter summer, fall and winter months.
Where are turkeys most likely to peck cars?
Turkeys may peck at vehicles anywhere they cross paths, but certain locations tend to be hotspots for turkey-car interactions. Areas to be extra cautious include:
Back roads
Rural back roads that pass through or near forests and fields are prime turkey territory. Turkeys may fly down from trees, cross over from ditches or approach from adjoining fields. Drivers should keep eyes peeled for turkeys approaching back roads.
Country highways
Highways that cut through agricultural lands are magnets for turkeys, as the road shoulders often provide ideal habitat. Toms defending their domain may walk onto highways to peck at approaching traffic.
Suburban neighborhoods
As development encroaches on their habitat, turkeys increasingly find themselves in suburban areas. Tom turkeys may be roused to peck at cars driving through their adopted neighborhood.
Farms
Active farms and farmland contain open pastures perfect for turkeys. Rural farms often report issues with aggressive toms pecking at vehicles and machinery.
Conservation land
State parks, wildlife refuges and other conserved land in rural areas provide undisturbed turkey habitat. Roads through these lands put drivers at risk of encountering reactive toms.
What kind of cars do turkeys peck?
Turkeys appear indiscriminate in the types of vehicles they will peck. Bright colors, larger size or louder engines do not seem to affect their reactions. Turkeys have been reported pecking at vehicles of all shapes and sizes, including:
– Sedans
– SUVs
– Pickup trucks
– Vans
– Motorcycles
– Buses
– Tractor trailers
– Farm equipment
– Police cars
– Ambulances
– Fire engines
The unifying factor seems to be movement and reflective surfaces that trigger their instincts, rather than any particular vehicle type. Any moving vehicle is likely to attract the attention of territorial turkeys in the mood to peck.
Why is turkey pecking dangerous?
While turkeys pecking cars may seem harmless or amusing, the behavior does pose real risks:
Distracted driving
A turkey attacking a moving vehicle can startle and distract the driver, potentially causing an accident. Sudden swerving or slamming on brakes to avoid a turkey could have disastrous results, especially at highway speeds.
Damage to vehicles
The force of a 20-pound tom turkey pecking repeatedly at high speeds can damage paint, mirrors, chrome and other surfaces. Their powerful beaks can dent body panels. Repairs can be costly.
Harm to turkeys
Pecking at moving vehicles often results in turkeys being struck by cars. Even if they survive, injury is likely. According to wildlife officials, up to two dozen turkeys are killed each year on one stretch of highway in Minnesota due to pecking incidents. Officials in other states also report turkeys killed by cars during the breeding season.
Harm to other wildlife
Swerving to avoid a turkey can cause drivers to strike other animals on the road instead. Deer, small mammals, birds of prey eating road kill and other creatures are at risk from vehicles taking evasive action due to turkeys.
How can drivers avoid turkey pecks?
While there is no foolproof way to prevent turkey encounters, drivers can take precautions:
Slow down
Driving at slower speeds through areas frequented by turkeys gives more reaction time if one approaches or darts out. Slower speeds also minimize damage if a collision occurs.
Use caution on curves
Turkey incidents often happen on blind curves as birds appear suddenly in the roadway. Slowing down and increasing alertness on curves can prevent surprises.
Honk the horn
Some wildlife experts recommend hitting the horn if a turkey is sighted near the road or begins to approach. The noise may frighten them off before they walk into the path of the vehicle.
Avoid using brakes
Turkeys seem attracted to stopped vehicles and are likely to approach. Maintaining steady speed discourages them from coming closer to peck at the car.
Cover shiny surfaces
Using dull plastic covers over side mirrors and chrome trim pieces reduces reflections that can catch a tom’s eye. This may discourage pecking.
Drive in center of road
Driving in the center line makes it harder for turkeys to approach the car from the road shoulders where they prefer to walk.
What to do if a turkey pecks your car
If a tom turkey starts pecking an occupied vehicle, here are some tips:
Resist swerving
Stay calm and keep the wheel steady. Swerving could cause loss of control. Maintain straight course and speed.
Do not stop
Coming to a stop risks more damage as the turkey could peck repeatedly in one spot. It may also encourage the turkey to move toward the car.
Wait for turkey to disengage
The turkey will lose interest and stop pecking once the vehicle passes. Do not get out or try to scare it off.
Check for damage
Once safely stopped, get out and inspect the vehicle for any dents or scratches caused by the pecking. Photograph any damage.
File damage claim (if needed)
In most states, striking a turkey is covered under comprehensive insurance. File a claim with your insurer if repairs are needed. Provide photos and details of the incident.
Wash car
Use soap and water to remove any turkey scratches in the paint or fluids that could damage the finish.
How common are turkey-car incidents?
Turkey-vehicle collisions and pecking incidents appear to have risen in recent decades as turkeys rebounded and adapted to live near human development and roads. However, collisions still make up a very small portion of overall vehicle accidents.
Data
According to State Farm insurance company, out of over 1.9 million insurance claims for animal collisions in 2016, turkeys accounted for 13,440 claims or about 0.7%. Deer strikes were nearly 40 times more common. But incidents spike in spring. State Farm saw turkey-related claims jump 1000% in April compared to January.
Frequency by state
Turkey run-ins occur nationwide but some states see more than others. A 2016 study by State Farm found Minnesota had the most turkey collisions by volume, followed by Pennsylvania, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin rounding out the top five.
Rural vs urban areas
As expected, rural roads through farmland and woodlands see more turkey incidents than busy urban and suburban areas. But as turkeys adapt to developed areas, problems are increasing even in populated spots.
Are turkey populations increasing?
After near extermination in the early 1900s, wild turkeys have made an astonishing comeback across North America thanks to restoration efforts. Turkey numbers have exploded since the 1970s.
| Year | Est. turkey population |
|---|---|
| 1966 | 1.5 million |
| 1973 | 3 million |
| 1993 | 4.5 million |
| 2001 | 6.1 million |
| 2014 | 7 million |
Their adaptability has allowed wild turkeys to thrive from farmland to forest to suburb. As turkeys continue to increase and expand, turkey-human and turkey-car encounters are inevitable.
Turkey pecking season outlook for 2022
Many state wildlife agencies reported the number of turkey poults (young turkeys) observed per adult hen in 2021 was down from the previous year. This could mean a lower turkey population entering the 2022 breeding and pecking season.
A cool, wet spring also delayed nesting activity in many areas in 2021. However, if drier weather prevails in spring 2022, turkey activity could pick up rapidly with fewer poults per tom in contention. That could spell an intense, aggressive pecking season.
Mild winters generally boost wild turkey survival. The relatively mild winter of 2021-2022 could allow more toms to enter spring 2022 in prime condition to strut and peck. Wildlife officials advise drivers to be alert.
Conclusion
The peculiar behavior of turkeys pecking passing cars is driven by male turkeys’ innate instincts to display dominance and court females. Their territorial and breeding behaviors peak in spring, bringing them into conflict with vehicles. While unusual, these incidents can result in property damage, injuries and even human fatalities in rare cases.
Drivers should exercise caution in areas frequented by wild turkeys, particularly during the spring mating season. Slowing down, staying alert and avoiding abrupt reactions to approaching turkeys can help prevent mishaps. As turkey populations continue to flourish, motorists will need to be wary of these quirky birds that view our vehicles as threats or rivals during breeding season.
