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The Rio Grande wild turkey is native to the central plains states and got its common name from the area in which it is found: the life-giving water supply which borders the brushy scrub, arid country of the southern Great Plains, western Texas and northeastern Mexico. They are distinguished from the Eastern and Florida subspecies by having tail feathers and tail/rump coverts tipped with yellowish-buff or tan color rather than medium or dark brown. Hens average 8 to 12 pounds while gobblers may weigh around 20 pounds at maturity.

The Rio inhabits brush areas near streams and rivers or mesquite, pine and scrub forests. It may be found up to 6,000 feet elevation and generally favors country that is more open than the wooded habitat favored by its eastern cousins. The Rio Grande is considered gregarious and nomadic in some areas, having distinct summer and winter ranges. It has been known to travel distances of 10 or more miles from traditional winter roost sites to its nesting areas. When suitable roost trees are scarce or nonexistent, Rios roost on man-made structures like power lines, windmill towers or oil storage tanks.

Range

The Rio Grande subspecies (Meleagris gallopavo intermedia) is hunted in 12 states, Mexico and Canadian provinces. Native to the central or intermediate region of North America, Rios are one of the five wild turkey subspecies in the states.

CHARACTERISTICS

• Tan-colored tips on tail feathers
• Same amount of black and white barring on wings
• Adult males weigh approximately 20 pounds (heaviest recorded: 37.125 pounds)
• Adult females weigh 8 to 12 pounds
• Moderate gobbles
• Moderate beard length
• Moderate spur length