Fall in the Villages of Citrus Hills just wouldn’t be complete without our festive companions that roam the side streets in Citrus County, the Wild Florida Turkey.

Many residents get the pleasure of seeing these beautiful wild turkeys alongside the streets, as protected area has its advantages!

It’s particularly special in the fall months, as Thanksgiving grows closer.

Nemesis or Neighbor?

There are two types of wild turkey that you will see in the great state of Florida, and in the Citrus county area … The Eastern Wild Turkey (Meleagris Gallopavo) and (2) The Osceola or Florida Wild Turkey (Meleagris Gallopavo Osceola).

Turkeys are thought to be a pleasant neighbor that keeps to themselves, and stays away from humans most of the time.

There may be times you see them in your backyard just passing by, but usually they are peaceful creatures, unprovoked, and outside of their breeding season.

As they are not seen as an official nuisance, they are protected in the state of Florida, outside of the brief hunting season, which runs in the March and April month, on specific dates and locations every year.

Breeding

Wild Turkeys in Florida usually nest in the late March – early April months.

The new offspring (also known as “Poults”) will usually hatch nearing the end of April, to early May months.

The first few weeks of their lives, they are constantly growing and learning from their mother.

They stay with their mothers for nearly half a year in most cases, before going off on their own.

Diet

Turkeys in Florida eat off of the ground, which means they will forage anything they can fit into their mouths.

Most wild Florida turkeys eat leaves, grass, seeds, acorns. berries, insects, worms, snails and frogs).

If you see a turkey on the side of the road, or in a local park, and you’d like to throw it some food, acorns are the most nutritious item for them (especially in the wintertime)!

All in all, we love the nature in Citrus county, and all of the surrounding areas, which is why we choose to live here!

Turkeys are welcome in our yards and parks, as a warm reminder that we are in store for a wonderful holiday season.