GAP Analysis Predicted Distribution Map

Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo)

Species Code: MEGA

Legend:
= Core Habitat
= Marginal Habitat

Breeding Range Map
The green area shows the predicted habitats for breeding only. The habitats were identified using 1991 satellite imagery, Breeding Bird Atlas (BBA), other datasets and experts throughout the state, as part of the Washington Gap Analysis Project. Habitats used during non-breeding months and migratory rest-stops were not mapped.

Metadata (Data about data or how the map was made)

Click to enlarge distribution map

Other maps & Information:

Breeding Bird Atlas
NatureMapping observations
during breeding season
NatureMapping observations
throughout the year

This species is highly variable due to the nature of introduction. They are commonly seen in some areas, yet rare or absent in others with seemingly similar habitat. The local populations can be found in open, forested areas around Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge, Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge, Indian Dan Wildlife Area, the Klickitat Wildlife Area, the Wenas Creek/Satus Creek area of Yakima County, the foothills of the Blue Mountains, and on San Juan Island. Wild Turkeys have been introduced from the eastern United States, principally by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

The core areas of use on the east side of Washington were steppe, Oak, and Ponderosa Pine. Peripheral areas of use were in Interior Douglas-fir (within its range) and Grand Fir in the Blue Mountains. On the west side, the core areas of use were Puget Sound Douglas-fir and Woodland/Prairie Mosaic, with its range limited to San Juan Island. Open forests, steppe vegetation, and forest openings were good habitats. Another good habitat was in low-density development in northeastern Washington, where it may occur on the outskirts of Spokane and its suburbs.

The locations of introduced species are difficult to predict due to their random geographic distribution. The adaptability of Wild Turkeys also makes prediction difficult, as many habitats are suitable. In the case of Wild Turkeys, birds are generally released on or in the vicinity of the State Wildlife Area or National Wildlife Refuges, and are spread out into neighboring areas dependent on habitat suitability and hunting pressure. This map is a conservative representation of this species' distribution, limited only to areas for which we had data. There are probably a few more populations in Washington outside of this area.

Translated from the Washington Gap Analysis Bird Volume by Uchenna Bright
Text edited by Gussie Litwer
Webpage designed by Dave Lester