Nest Habitat Use by Eastern Wild Turkeys in Eastern Texas

We studied habitat used for nesting by eastern wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) on intensively managed pine forest land in eastern Texas in 1980 and 1981. Most (89%) nests were within 100 m of a road or timber stand boundary. Nest sites had <60% canopy closure, low density of rnidstory trees (16 stems/0.04 ha), low basal area (9 m2/ha), and abundant herbaceous ground and shrub cover. Retaining forest openings resulting from logging activity likely will enhance nesting habitat for turkeys in eastern Texas.