Dominance?

[guesswho]

individual attitude probably comes into play.

I think you hit on something.  Most birds that I've killed that I'm fairly certain were the boss of the area were light weights, but had attitude.  I've seen on more than one occasion a smaller bird terrorize much bigger birds.

[vaturkey]

I think it can be any of the scenarios you describe. This pecking order can be challenged hourly, daily, weekly or less frequently when subordinate gets unhappy with established order. It may or may not change with each challenge.

One thing I know for sure. The hen is dominant at my place!

THANK YOU MR. LOVETTE  !   

[Turkey Beard]

pie are square

No... cornbread are square... pie are round...

[Skeeterbait]

Iron skillet cornbread are round too.

[dirt road ninja]

I was reading something about turkey hunting, but was distracted by cornbread.

[guesswho]

I was reading something about turkey hunting, but was distracted by cornbread.

Sounds like you need the same medication as me.

[dirt road ninja]

No meds needed, just more time off and some good buttery cornbread.

[Skeeterbait]

... some good buttery cornbread.

With NO SUGAR in it!

[TrackeySauresRex]

individual attitude probably comes into play.

I think you hit on something.  Most birds that I've killed that I'm fairly certain were the boss of the area were light weights, but had attitude.  I've seen on more than one occasion a smaller bird terrorize much bigger birds.

Yep, it don't make a lot of sens to me either. I would say it changes throughout the season as well. I once witnessed gobblers A/B both clearly mature dominant birds (strutters), get ran off by birds (Jake's) c,d,e, and f. It looked like a slam dunk double for me and a buddie that didn't happen. I'm guessin it's not the size of the bird in the fight,it's the size if the fight in the bird.

[TurkeyLegg]

The only certainty in this is that the pecking order is constantly being challenged.  Two year olds often hang out together or at least very near each other.  They're constantly testing each other.  As soon as one shows any weakness, the others will challenge.  Older birds tend to be more reclusive and don't display dominance nearly as much as two year olds.  Many times 3 year old and older birds will allow a two year old to run it to a hen right away.  The older bird will come in a few minutes later.  Hunters take the most aggressive birds out first usually because they're the first one at the end of the gun.  If you want to see dominance in action, watch a flock of hens, jakes, and jennies.

[gotcha]

In my experience its very easy to tell which of the 3 is the dominant bird.Reach into the secret pocket of your lucky vest and take out your most cherished call{squealing hen in this case}and give it a good hard blow.A word of caution,you had better already have you gun on your knee with the safety clicked off cause he's coming fast.There is your dominant bird!