Can turkeys see color?

[kotengu]

Like many here, I'm new to turkey hunting and have been eagerly reading up on the issue. One thing I haven't seen is how turkeys see - color or B&W? Is their keen vision more based on movement (ie: can they see you if you stay still)?

What about smell - is scent an issue with turkeys at all?

 

[labgrade]

"Is their keen vision more based on movement (ie: can they see you if you stay still)?"

They can see yer eyes blink at 40 paces & yup, in color. Outstanding visual acuity.

"What about smell - is scent an issue with turkeys at all?"

Only when ya clean 'em.

I've never heard of their sense of smell ever being an issue.

 

[Diggler]

If turkeys could smell no one would ever get one.

 

[mete]

The turkey VULTURE or buzzard has a very highly developed sense of smell. As far as I know all birds see in color. All eyes are attracted to movement.

 

[Arc Angel]

Absolutely, positively, YES! As another poster (Labgrade) said, 'If you blink an eye, a turkey 20 yards away can and, probably, will see it!

(I know because we used to have a large flock of them living on the property; and our paths often crossed. Turkeys have truly amazing eyesight. As a matter of fact, while they're in residence, there are NO TICKS and very few bugs of any kind anywhere on the property! They, also, love to eat sunflower seeds; I've, actually, watched them fight with deer and squirrels to keep control of a pile of seeds!)

 

[JShirley]

Matt,

I had a flock of five turkeys try to climb into my lap yesterday afternoon. I don't think their sense of smell is great...(Matt, one jake was almost close enough for me to jump out and grab! Unfortunately, he was on my right side, and trees would have stopped my swing. Almost tried anyway...)

John

 

[c_yeager]

I believe that all birds can see in color. They use colors to recognize one another and find their food. Thats why they are so pretty.

 

[kotengu]

Thanks everybody for the help. I'm headed to the woods this weekend, and hope to report a bird (or two) in the freezer next week!