Rugged, hilly terrain may be needed, to allow escape from predators. In California, not all suitable habitat is occupied yet. Eats seeds, leaves, fruits, buds, acorns, pine nuts, other nuts, and arthropods. Nest usually near permanent water. Requires a diverse mosaic of conifer and deciduous stands of different ages, with scattered openings and water.
Greater mobility allows turkey to use larger areas than other upland game birds.
Suitable undisturbed roosting trees critical. Yearlong, diurnal activity. Territory has been reported as the vicinity of a female. Precocial young may fly short distance into roost tree by 1 wk. Female and brood may remain together until spring, occasionally mixing with other broods.