A Wild Turkey Has Been Roaming Manhattan for Over a Year, Earning Fans Worldwide

A wild turkey named Astoria has been strutting past skyscrapers, surviving blizzards and navigating crosswalks across Manhattan for more than a year.

Her journey from Queens to the concrete jungle has earned her a devoted fan base that stretches far beyond the five boroughs.

Astoria was first spotted in Queens in April 2024, seen in the Astoria neighborhood that would become her namesake. After spending roughly a month there, she moved on to Midtown — a destination that would surprise even seasoned New York birders.

Barrett explained that wild turkeys can fly quickly but only over short distances, comparing them more to sprinters than long-distance flyers. That sprint carried Astoria across the East River, landing her on Roosevelt Island, where local residents helped look after her. Three women paid her regular visits.

But Roosevelt Island couldn’t contain her either. Officers who responded were unable to capture Astoria after she crossed back over the river, and she has since been spotted on the East Side near 59th Street.

“She’s much loved, Astoria has fans all over Manhattan, all over the world,” birder David Barrett said, per ABC7.

Astoria Is Manhattan’s Feathered Celebrity

The turkey has covered extraordinary ground across the borough. She was seen in Sutton Place, Park Avenue and the area near the SeaGlass Carousel near the Staten Island Ferry terminal. In April 2025, The New York Times reported that Astoria was spotted walking around the Financial District during a blizzard — however, she appeared to not be bothered by the snow.

“She’s like a celebrity. I don’t blame her; she is. I couldn’t get enough of her,” spectator Omar Santos said.

Andy Eller happened to be walking by as Astoria plotted her route. He had never seen her before.

“She’s gorgeous,” Eller said. “She’s very polite, just kind of minding her own business.”

Another passerby noticed Astoria and, startled, muttered to no one in particular, “Look at that thing. What in the world?”

The Instagram account NYC Walking Show posted a video of the turkey in April 2026, showing her walking through Battery Park as spectators watched, calling her “The New Queen of The Battery.”

Why a Turkey in Manhattan Isn’t as Strange as It Sounds

For long-time New Yorkers, Astoria’s presence echoes a predecessor. Zelda was a famous turkey who ruled Battery Park for over a decade. In the past, there was a turkey known to hang out in Inwood Hill Park in Upper Manhattan. Smaller groups come and go in Queens and Brooklyn. Now, Astoria is the new kid on the block.

“She’s the only known turkey in Manhattan,” said Sunny Corrao, the deputy director of the city parks department’s wildlife unit, “but this is not unusual.”

“New York City is actually great habitat for a wild turkey,” Jessica Wilson, the executive director of NYC Bird Alliance, said.

Wilson added: “They often join flocks, but they also are fine on their own — and in general, we try not to interfere with their social life.”

What’s Driving Astoria’s Wandering?

Some people think she may be searching for a mate, as she’s been making a distinctive clucking sound.

“She is doing that so she could be found,” Barrett said.

Experts believe she will eventually make it back home to Roosevelt Island, but until then, they say just let her be and observe from a distance.

“Just enjoy her miraculous presence in Manhattan,” Barrett said.

This article was created by content specialists using various tools, including AI.