Can wild turkeys fly?

According to the National Wild Turkey Federation, wild turkeys can fly swiftly, with a maximum speed of 55 miles per hour. Turkeys make use of this ability daily, as they prefer to roost at night, hidden high in the tree branches, as a precaution against predators.

Turkeys also actively use flight when being pursued by predators. Male turkeys tend to run when being chased, while females prefer to take flight. A turkey's top speed on foot is only 25 miles per hour, faster than most human athletes but merely half of a turkey's top flight speed. Although they are swift fliers, turkeys spend the majority of their time on the ground, grazing.