What Do You Call a Group of Turkeys? The Surprising Answer Is a Rafter

If you’ve ever watched a flock of turkeys strutting across a field or pecking around a barnyard, you might wonder what the proper collective noun for these birds is.

The answer isn’t the familiar flock or herd—it’s a rafter. The term dates back to at least the 16th century and appears in ornithological literature as the official designation for a gathering of turkeys, whether wild or domesticated.

Why “Rafter” Instead of a More Common Term?

The word “rafter” originally described a row of beams in a roof or an arrangement of items. In the context of turkeys, it conveys the idea of a structured group, which fits both the coordinated movement of wild turkeys and the organized enclosures of farmed birds.

Wild vs. Domesticated Turkeys

Wild turkeys roam the forests and open plains of North America—states like Missouri host large populations. They are agile fliers capable of short bursts of speed and rely on keen instincts to evade predators.

Domesticated turkeys, in contrast, are bred primarily for meat. Most commercial breeds are unable to fly, and they are raised in barns where their growth, health, and safety are closely monitored. Young birds are called poults, while adult females are hens that lay eggs each spring. In the United States, the majority of turkeys raised for Thanksgiving are farmed in this manner.

Benjamin Franklin’s Affection for Turkeys

A popular myth claims that Benjamin Franklin once declared the wild turkey the preferred national bird over the bald eagle. In his writings he praised the turkey as “a much more respectable bird” and “a true original native of America.” While the story may be embellished, it reflects the long‑standing cultural significance of turkeys in America.

Other Bird Group Names to Keep in Mind

Birds often have colorful collective nouns: a gaggle of geese on the ground, a skein in flight, a murder of crows, and a parliament of owls. Though “rafter” may seem obscure, it is as legitimate as any of these terms.

So next time you spot a gathering of turkeys—whether on a farm or in the wild—you can confidently refer to them as a rafter.

We crafted this article with AI assistance, then had it reviewed and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor to ensure accuracy and clarity.