Astoria the Wild Turkey Loose in NYC for Over a Year: Everything You Need to Know

A wild turkey has been roaming New York City since April 2024, traveling from Queens to Roosevelt Island to Manhattan — and she has become one of the city’s most unlikely celebrities. Named Astoria after the Queens neighborhood where she was first spotted, the bird has drawn fans across the city and around the world as she struts through some of Manhattan’s best-known locations.

Her journey from a Queens neighborhood throughout the city has captured attention from New Yorkers and people around the world alike. Three women even made a habit of visiting and caring for her.

Where Has Astoria the Wild Turkey Been Spotted in NYC?

Astoria was initially seen in Queens in April 2024, in the neighborhood that would give her a name. After spending roughly a month in Queens, she moved on and ended up in Midtown Manhattan. Since then, she has appeared across a wide stretch of Manhattan, from Midtown all the way down to the southern tip of the island, over a span of more than a year.

In April 2025, The New York Times reported that Astoria was spotted walking around the Financial District during a blizzard. She appeared unbothered by the snow. She was also seen in Sutton Place, Park Avenue and the area near the SeaGlass Carousel near the Staten Island Ferry terminal.

By April 2026, the Instagram account NYC Walking Show posted a video showing Astoria walking through Battery Park as spectators watched. The post described her as “The New Queen of The Battery” and noted that “for long-time New Yorkers, seeing her feels like a beautiful tribute to Zelda, the famous turkey who ruled this park for over a decade.”

How Did Astoria the Wild Turkey Cross the East River?

One of the most remarkable parts of Astoria’s story is how she reached Manhattan in the first place. Wild turkeys can fly quickly but only over short distances, comparing them more to sprinters than long-distance flyers. Astoria reportedly crossed the East River last May and made her way to Roosevelt Island, where Barrett visited her and local residents helped look after her. Roosevelt Island turned out to be just a waypoint on her journey across the city.

She soon set her sights on Manhattan. On one occasion, she crossed back over the river and was spotted on the East Side near 59th Street. Officers who responded were unable to capture her.

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.

Why Has Astoria the Turkey Become a New York City Celebrity?

Wherever Astoria goes in New York City, she draws a crowd. The wild turkey has become a genuine local celebrity, attracting admirers who track her movements across Manhattan and pay her regular visits.

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

The three women who regularly visited Astoria spoke of her with affection. “I think she likes our company,” one woman said. “I hope she goes to bed early,” said another. “We still have 30 minutes before bedtime,” a third said.

Are Wild Turkeys Common in New York City?

Astoria may be the star of the moment, but she is not the only wild turkey to have turned up in New York City. While she is the sole known turkey currently residing in Manhattan, the birds have appeared in other parts of the city over the years. A turkey was previously known to hang out in Inwood Hill Park in Upper Manhattan, and smaller groups come and go in Queens and Brooklyn, per NYT. Wildlife experts say the city actually provides surprisingly good habitat for the species.

“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. She 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.”

Should You Feed Astoria or Approach Wild Turkeys in NYC?

While Astoria has become a beloved figure in Manhattan, wildlife experts want New Yorkers to know one thing: do not feed her or any other wild animals in the city. The city parks department urges people to observe from a distance and resist the temptation to offer food, no matter how friendly the turkey may seem. Corrao warned that feeding wildlife creates problems that can put both animals and people in uncomfortable situations.

“We don’t want them to associate people with food because then they’ll get close, and they may approach a person that’s not comfortable with them,” Corrao said. “Also, their diet is very specific to each animal.”

Experts believe Astoria will eventually make it back home to Roosevelt Island on her own. Until then, Barrett has simple advice for anyone who spots her.

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

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