Caruncle (bird anatomy)

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Anatomical structures on the head and throat of a domestic turkey. 1. Caruncles, 2. Snood, 3. Wattle (Dewlap), 4. Major caruncle, 5. Beard

A caruncle is defined as 'a small, fleshy excrescence that is a normal part of an animal's anatomy'.[1] Within this definition, caruncles in birds include wattles (or dewlaps), snoods and earlobes.

The term caruncle is derived from Latin 'caruncula', the diminutive of 'carō', flesh.[2]

Turkeys

In turkeys, the term usually refers to small, bulbous, fleshy protuberances found on the head, neck and throat, with larger structures particularly at the bottom of the throat. The wattle is a flap of skin hanging under the chin connecting the throat and head and the snood is a highly erectile appendage emanating from the forehead. Both sexes of turkey possess caruncles, although they are more pronounced in the male. Usually they are pale, but when the male becomes excited or during courtship, the caruncles, wattle and snood all engorge with blood, become bright red or blue, and enlarge.[3]

The beard (a tuft of modified brush-like feathers) also becomes erect.

Muscovy ducks

The caruncles on a mature Muscovy drake.

In the context of Muscovy ducks, caruncles refer to the red fleshy mask that surrounds the head of adult birds, particularly prominent in adult drakes (males).[4]

References

  1. ↑ Lexic.us. "Definition of caruncle". Retrieved April 20, 2013. 
  2. ↑ Merriam-Webster. "Caruncle". Retrieved April 20, 2013. 
  3. ↑ Graves, R.A. (2005). "Know your turkey parts". Retrieved April 20, 2013. 
  4. ↑ Heritage Poultry Breeders Association of America (2013). "Muscovy Ducks". Retrieved April 20, 2013. 
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