Species › Reptiles & Amphibians › Chicken Turtle

Chicken Turtle

Deirochelys reticularia

UncommonReptile & Amphibian
Illustration of Chicken Turtle (Deirochelys reticularia)

The Chicken Turtle is a medium-sized freshwater turtle recognized by its unusually long striped neck. It overestimates and aestivates during drought. Found in southeastern U.S. wetlands.

Habitat
Still ponds, cypress swamps, and marshes in the Southeast
Diet
Crayfish, frogs, aquatic invertebrates, and vegetation
How common
Uncommon

Best time to see a Chicken Turtle

The best time to see a Chicken Turtle is August–February, when about 61% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 1,161 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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Recent Chicken Turtle sightings near you

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