1. Gobble: Tom turkeys produce loud gobbling sounds to let hens (female turkeys) know they are present and looking for a mate. The gobble is a deep, resonant call that can be heard from a long distance away.
2. Strutting: When a tom turkey spots a hen, he will begin strutting. Strutting involves fanning out and holding his tail feathers up and wide, drooping his wings almost to the ground, and taking exaggerated steps. This impressive display is meant to catch the hen's attention and show off his strength and fitness.
3. Drumming: Male turkeys also use their wings to create a drumming sound as part of their courtship display. To do this, they will spread their wings, raise them over their heads, and rapidly beat them against their bodies. The drumming sound can be heard by hens from several hundred feet away and is a sign of the tom's eagerness to mate.
These three behaviors, gobbling, strutting, and drumming, are all essential components of a male turkey's mating strategy. By using these displays, tom turkeys are able to attract hens and secure their chance to reproduce.