What Is a Group of Turkeys Called? Not a Flock or Anything Else You'd Expect

A group of turkeys is officially called a rafter. This term dates back to at least the 16th century, though today it often gets replaced by the more generic "flock."

Still, "rafter" is the established term recorded in dictionaries and used in avian studies.

While "rafter" might sound like something you'd find in a barn, it's actually linked to older uses of the word meaning an arrangement or grouping. That makes it a good fit for these birds, whether wild or domesticated.

Wild turkeys roam forests and open land, especially in places like Missouri. They're fast, fly short distances, and respond to predators with sharp instincts.

Domesticated turkeys, raised on turkey farms, are bred for size and often can't fly at all. They're raised in barns, with tools and services designed for large-scale breeding, hatching, and security.

Young turkeys are called poults. Female turkeys are hens, and they typically lay eggs in spring. Commercial turkeys, especially in the U.S., are bred for food, particularly for Thanksgiving.

It's a popular myth that turkeys almost became the U.S. national bird since Benjamin Franklin did once write that he preferred the wild turkey over the bald eagle. He described turkeys as "a much more respectable bird" and "a true original native of America."

Turkeys have been an important part of the economy, cuisine, and culture in the U.S. and Europe. Their feathers, sounds, and behaviors also offer a lot to learn. Many farmers, nature lovers, and even Instagram accounts highlight their quirks.

Bird group names can be poetic. A group of geese on the ground is a gaggle; in flight, it’s a skein. Crows form a murder. Owls? A parliament.

Compared to those, "rafter" might seem random, but it’s no less official.

So next time you see a group of turkeys, whether on a farm or in the wild, you can confidently refer to them as a rafter.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.