Which characteristic can help differentiate an adult male turkey from a female?

The presence of a beard and the size of the bird are key characteristics that can help differentiate an adult male turkey from a female. Male turkeys, also known as toms, typically possess a long, distinctive beard made up of specialized feathers that can grow several inches in length. This feature is often absent or significantly less developed in female turkeys, called hens.

Additionally, male turkeys are generally larger and bulkier than females, a physical trait that becomes more noticeable as they mature. This size difference not only aids in identification but also plays a role in their behavior and breeding.

While other factors such as feather color, wing span, and beak length might show some variation between male and female turkeys, they are not as reliable as the beard and size in helping distinguish the two sexes. Therefore, the beard and overall size are the definitive traits to look for when determining the sex of an adult turkey.