What does this noise mean?

[Soph Loves Chooks]

Today some of my family was over and wanted to see the turkeys, and my big tom named Jedi of course got all puffed up and territorial. He never acts aggressive, but this time he made a really odd noise. It sounded like a “BUM” followed by an alligator-like rumble/growl. Have y’alls birds made that noise? What does it mean?
(photo to share my pretty boy)

 

[boskelli1571]

Not really up on turkeys, but I would imagine he saw strangers in his territory and was warning them off!
He is a beauty - what breed?

 

[R2elk]

Today some of my family was over and wanted to see the turkeys, and my big tom named Jedi of course got all puffed up and territorial. He never acts aggressive, but this time he made a really odd noise. It sounded like a “BUM” followed by an alligator-like rumble/growl. Have y’alls birds made that noise? What does it mean?
(photo to share my pretty boy)
View attachment 1971327

Without hearing a recording of it, your description sounds like he was drumming and gobbling.

 

[R2elk]

Not really up on turkeys, but I would imagine he saw strangers in his territory and was warning them off!
He is a beauty - what breed?

All domestic turkeys are the breed Turkey. He does appear to be the variety Narragansett.

 

[featherhead007]

Maybe it's his way of showing relief, that he made it thru another thanksgiving?

 

[pennyJo1960]

Just warning the invading people

 

[Soph Loves Chooks]

There’s the video of him making the noise! It’s best if you use headphones. The description has the timestamp of when he makes the noise.

 

[R2elk]

There’s the video of him making the noise! It’s best if you use headphones. The description has the timestamp of when he makes the noise.

I believe it is a trill that he does twice before the gobble. It normally is a warning that he is ready to do battle.

 

[Soph Loves Chooks]

I believe it is a trill that he does twice before the gobble. It normally is a warning that he is ready to do battle.

that was the hen, Zim. She’s always up for an argument lol. A couple seconds after he gobbles he makes the sound, but it’s hard to hear without headphones

 

[R2elk]

that was the hen, Zim. She’s always up for an argument lol. A couple seconds after he gobbles he makes the sound, but it’s hard to hear without headphones

The sound following the gobble is called drumming.