What type of forest is preferred by the Eastern Wild Turkey?

The Eastern Wild Turkey predominantly prefers mixed and hardwood forests due to a combination of factors that provide optimal habitat conditions. These types of forests offer a diverse structure that includes both mature trees and open understory. The mixed and hardwood forests typically allow for sufficient cover and nesting opportunities, as wild turkeys require dense vegetation for roosting and protection from predators.

These forests also provide the necessary food resources that turkeys rely on, such as acorns, seeds, fruits, and insects. The varied undergrowth found in mixed and hardwood forests supports the foraging behavior of turkeys, making it an ideal environment for them to thrive. The balance of cover and food availability helps in maintaining healthy turkey populations, thereby affirming the preference of the Eastern Wild Turkey for this type of forest.

Other forest types, such as coniferous forests, do not offer the same variety of food or sufficient coverage, while tropical forests are not part of their native range. Grasslands, though providing some foraging opportunities, lack the necessary cover for roosting and protection, making them less suitable as a primary habitat.