What Is the Red Part of the Turkey Called? Exploring the Wattle and Snood
The distinctive, fleshy red appendages on a turkey’s head are often a source of curiosity. The dangling flap of skin under the turkey’s chin is called the wattle, while the fleshy protuberance that droops over its beak is known as the snood.
Unveiling the Turkey’s Distinctive Features
Turkeys, majestic birds with a rich history and cultural significance, possess several unique physical characteristics. Two of the most notable are the wattle and the snood. These fleshy appendages, located on the turkey’s head and neck, serve various purposes and play a crucial role in the bird’s life. Understanding the function and characteristics of these features provides a deeper appreciation for these fascinating creatures.
The Wattle: A Dangle of Distinction
The wattle is the fleshy, unfeathered flap of skin that hangs beneath a turkey’s beak. It’s essentially an extension of the turkey’s throat. The wattle is present in both male (toms) and female (hens) turkeys, although it tends to be larger and more pronounced in males.
- Location: Hangs from the lower beak, below the chin.
- Appearance: Typically red in color, but can vary in shade depending on the turkey’s health and mood.
- Function: Thought to play a role in thermoregulation (cooling the turkey down), mating displays, and signaling dominance.
The Snood: A Nose Ornament with a Purpose
The snood is the fleshy protuberance that hangs over a turkey’s beak. It’s connected to the turkey’s forehead and can change in length and thickness based on the turkey’s emotional state and health. The snood, like the wattle, is more prominent in male turkeys.
- Location: Hangs from the forehead, over the beak.
- Appearance: Typically red, but its color and size can change drastically. When a tom is relaxed, the snood is short and pale. When excited or displaying, it can become long, thick, and bright red.
- Function: Primarily used for courtship displays. Males use their snoods to attract females, and longer snoods are generally more attractive to hens. The snood’s health is also a visual indicator to females.
The Science Behind the Red
The vibrant red color of the wattle and snood comes from the presence of blood vessels close to the skin’s surface. The intensity of the red color can vary depending on the turkey’s blood flow and hormone levels. A pale or dull wattle or snood can be a sign of illness or stress.
Wattle and Snood: Beyond Appearance
While visually striking, the wattle and snood are not merely decorative. They serve crucial roles in the turkey’s survival and reproductive success.
- Thermoregulation: The wattle, in particular, helps turkeys regulate their body temperature. Blood vessels in the wattle dilate in warm weather, allowing heat to dissipate.
- Mating Rituals: The size, color, and length of the wattle and snood are all signals that hens use to assess the fitness of potential mates. A larger, brighter wattle and snood indicate good health and strong genes.
- Social Hierarchy: Male turkeys use their wattles and snoods to establish dominance hierarchies within their flocks. Larger, more impressive appendages often indicate a higher social rank.
Distinguishing Between Toms and Hens
While both male and female turkeys have wattles and snoods, there are noticeable differences:
| Feature | Tom (Male) | Hen (Female) |
|---|---|---|
| Wattle Size | Larger and more prominent | Smaller and less noticeable |
| Snood Size | Longer and more variable | Shorter and less variable |
| Color Intensity | More vibrant and intense red | Paler and less intense red |
| Overall Appearance | More ornate and showy | More subdued and discreet |
Cultural Significance
Turkeys, and their distinctive features, hold cultural significance in many societies. They are a symbol of Thanksgiving in the United States and Canada, and their image appears in art, literature, and folklore. The wattle and snood, as defining characteristics of the turkey, contribute to its iconic status.
Frequently Asked Questions About Turkey Anatomy
What is the function of the snood in cold weather?
The snood can retract and become shorter in cold weather. This reduces its surface area, minimizing heat loss and preventing frostbite. It also offers protection from potential injury.
Do all breeds of turkeys have the same size wattle and snood?
No. Different breeds of turkeys can have varying sizes and shapes of wattles and snoods. For example, some heritage breeds may have smaller wattles compared to modern breeds. Genetic factors heavily influence these features.
Can a turkey’s wattle or snood get injured?
Yes. Injuries to the wattle or snood can occur due to fighting, pecking, or other trauma. These injuries can be painful and may require veterinary attention.
Does the color of the wattle and snood indicate the turkey’s age?
Generally, the color intensity and size of the wattle and snood increase with age, particularly in male turkeys. However, other factors, such as health and breed, also play a role.
What does it mean if a turkey’s snood is very long?
A long snood generally indicates that the male turkey is healthy, dominant, and in good breeding condition. It’s a sign of fitness that attracts female turkeys.
How does the wattle help turkeys stay cool?
The wattle has many blood vessels. As the turkey gets hot, these vessels dilate, increasing blood flow to the surface of the wattle. This allows heat to dissipate into the air, cooling the turkey down.
Is the snood related to the turkey’s sense of smell?
No, the snood is not directly related to the turkey’s sense of smell. The turkey’s nostrils are located at the base of its beak, separate from the snood. The snood is primarily a visual display feature.
Can a turkey live without its wattle or snood?
While possible, removing the wattle or snood would negatively impact the turkey’s ability to regulate its body temperature and attract mates. It could also affect their social standing within the flock.
Do baby turkeys (poults) have wattles and snoods?
Yes, poults are born with small wattles and snoods, but they are much less developed compared to adult turkeys. They become more prominent as the turkey matures.
Are there any diseases that specifically affect the wattle or snood?
Yes, certain diseases and infections can affect the wattle and snood. These can cause swelling, discoloration, or lesions, indicating a health problem.
Do wild turkeys have different wattles and snoods compared to domestic turkeys?
Generally, wild turkeys tend to have slightly smaller and less flamboyant wattles and snoods compared to some domestic breeds, which have been selectively bred for larger features.
Can you tell if a turkey is stressed by looking at its wattle and snood?
Yes, a stressed turkey may have a paler or smaller wattle and snood than usual. The color may also be dull or less vibrant. This is a common visual indicator of stress or illness.