Wild Florida Turkey – Unique Florida

Yash Rai
11/02/2020

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.

Terms and Conditions:

No purchase necessary to enter or win. One (1) entry per tour will be provided upon completion of an in-person tour of The Villages of Citrus Hills between May 1, 2026 and July 15, 2026, regardless of the number of tours completed.
Prize consists of a trip for two (2) to the 2026 U.S. Open, including event tickets for one day of play, round-trip coach airfare, and standard hotel accommodations. Drawing will be held on or about July 17, 2026.
Winner will be notified via phone and/or email and must accept the prize within 5 days or an alternate winner may be selected. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received.
Travel dates, event tickets, and accommodations are subject to availability and may be determined at Citrus Hills’ sole discretion. Prize is non-transferable, has no cash alternative, and cannot be substituted except at sponsor’s discretion. Taxes, upgrades, and additional expenses not expressly included are the responsibility of the winner.
Employees, affiliates, and immediate family members are not eligible. Offer subject to change or termination at any time without notice. Additional terms may apply.
The US Open is a registered trademark of the United States Tennis Association. This promotion is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by the USTA. 

Terms and conditions:

Offer valid on new construction homes purchased through Citrus Hills Construction with a fully executed purchase agreement between May 1, 2026 and May 31, 2026. Citrus Hills Construction will pay the buyer’s customary lender and title closing costs when the home is closed through Manatee Title, LLC. Closing costs must be verified by an official Closing Disclosure prepared by Manatee Title, LLC. Citrus Hills Construction will provide a credit at closing for eligible closing costs as reflected on the final settlement statement. Offer does not include prepaid items, property taxes, homeowners insurance, optional upgrades, or non-standard lender fees.
Offer is non-transferable and may not be combined with other incentives unless expressly approved in writing. Offer subject to change or termination at any time without notice. Additional terms and conditions may apply. See Sales Executive for details.

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