DictionarywattleFleshy flap
noun

wattle

WAH-tul/ˈwɑːtl/

A fleshy flap on the head or neck of some birds.

The rooster's red wattles hang beneath its beak.

A close side view of a rooster’s head and upper neck, clearly showing the soft red wattles hanging beneath its beak.
Etymology

Origin uncertain. The bird's fleshy flap is not securely connected with wattle, interwoven twigs.

More examples

  • The turkey's wattle sways as it walks.
  • Both hens and roosters have wattles.
  • The farmer checks the chicken's swollen wattle.

Forms

wattle · wattles

wattled adjective — Having fleshy head or neck flaps.