Move over, city pigeons — New York has a brand-new star, and she’s got feathers, attitude and zero interest in paparazzi. Astoria, a solo wild turkey who’s been making her way across the five boroughs for over a year, has officially become the city’s most talked-about animal celebrity. Her origin story? Better than most reality TV plotlines.
Astoria was first spotted in the Queens neighborhood that gave her the name back in April 2024. After roughly a month there, she made the bold move to Midtown Manhattan.
Astoria the Turkey’s Epic Journey From Queens to Manhattan
She reportedly crossed the East River in May 2025. Wild turkeys can fly quickly but only over short distances, comparing them more to sprinters than long-distance flyers. Astoria then relocated to Roosevelt Island, where many local residents helped look after her. But she wasn’t done exploring. She crossed back over the river and has since been spotted on the East Side near 59th Street. Officers who responded were unable to capture her.
“She’s much loved, Astoria has fans all over Manhattan, all over the world,” birder David Barrett said, per ABC7.
The Instagram account NYC Walking Show posted a video of the turkey in April 2026, showing her walking through Battery Park as spectators watched. The post dubbed her “The New Queen of The Battery” and mapped out her journey from Queens to Roosevelt Island to the tip of Manhattan.
Why NYC Fans Can’t Get Enough of Astoria the Wild Turkey
So what is it about one turkey that has an entire city swooning? Some believe Astoria may be searching for a mate — she’s been making a distinctive clucking sound. But the real draw goes beyond biology. She’s become a kind of emotional landmark in one of the densest urban environments on earth, with devoted fans who check on her regularly.
“She is doing that so she could be found,” Barrett said.
For long-time New Yorkers, Astoria also carries an echo of Zelda, the famous turkey who ruled Battery Park for over a decade, as the NYC Walking Show post noted.
“She’s like a celebrity. I don’t blame her; she is. I couldn’t get enough of her,” spectator Omar Santos said.
Astoria the Turkey Signals a Bigger Urban Wildlife Trend Across NYC
Astoria isn’t a one-off oddity — she’s part of a broader pattern of wildlife adapting to city spaces that experts have been watching closely. While she may be the most famous feathered New Yorker right now, she’s far from the only wild turkey in the five boroughs.
“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.”
Previously, a turkey was known to hang out in Inwood Hill Park in Upper Manhattan, and smaller groups come and go in Queens and Brooklyn, per The New York Times.
“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.”
What Experts Say You Should Do If You Spot Astoria in Manhattan
Experts believe Astoria will eventually make it back home to Roosevelt Island, but until then, the advice from wildlife professionals is simple: admire from a distance. The turkey has been navigating the city on her own for over a year, and officials want to keep it that way. If she shows up in your neighborhood, here’s what to know.
“Just enjoy her miraculous presence in Manhattan,” Barrett said.
Corrao urged New Yorkers not to feed wildlife. “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,” she said. “Also, their diet is very specific to each animal.”
In April 2025, NYT reported that Astoria was spotted walking around the Financial District during a blizzard, appearing 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.
Andy Eller happened to be walking by as Astoria plotted her route. “She’s gorgeous,” Eller said. “She’s very polite, just kind of minding her own business.”
A moment later, another passerby noticed Astoria and muttered, “Look at that thing. What in the world?”
