1. Grains and Seeds: Wild turkeys primarily feed on grains and seeds, including corn, wheat, soybeans, acorns, and various tree nuts.
2. Fruits: Turkeys also enjoy a variety of fruits, such as wild berries, grapes, apples, pears, and persimmons.
3. Invertebrates: Insects and other invertebrates form a significant part of their diet, especially for poults (young turkeys). They consume ants, grasshoppers, beetles, snails, spiders, millipedes, and worms.
4. Leaves and Plant Material: Turkeys occasionally consume leaves, buds, shoots, and other green vegetation as a source of nutrients and grit.
5. Small Animals: Wild turkeys have been known to prey on small animals, including mice, voles, frogs, lizards, and snakes. However, these typically make up a small portion of their diet.
6. Opportunistic Feeding: Turkeys are known to visit bird feeders, livestock feed areas, and even garbage cans for easy food sources, especially in urban or suburban areas.
7. Grit: Turkeys swallow small stones, gravel, and other hard objects to help them grind and digest their food.
It's worth noting that wild turkeys may have different dietary preferences based on their location and habitat. Their ability to adapt to various food sources makes them resilient and successful in different ecosystems.