Rooster
Rooster
Rooster (pronunciation: /ˈruːstər/), also known as a cock or cockerel, is a male gallinaceous bird, usually a male chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus).
Etymology
The term "rooster" originates from the United States, and the term is widely used throughout North America, as well as Australia and New Zealand. The older term "cock" is derived from Old English coc, and is still used in certain UK and Ireland contexts. The term "cockerel" is derived from the Middle English cokerel, referring to a young rooster.
Description
Mature male chickens less than one year old are called cockerels. The term "rooster" originates in the United States, while in the United Kingdom and Ireland, the older term "cock" is more often used. A rooster can often be distinguished from a hen by his striking plumage of long flowing tails and shiny, pointed feathers on their necks (hackles) and backs (saddle), which are typically of brighter, bolder colours than those of females of the same species.
Related Terms
- Hen: A hen is a female chicken. In the poultry yard, she is distinguished by her small comb and lack of spurs.
- Capon: A capon is a cockerel or rooster that has been castrated to improve the quality of its flesh for food.
- Pullet: A pullet is a young hen who has not started to lay eggs yet.
- Chick: A chick is a newly hatched chicken.
See Also
- Chicken: The species from which roosters and hens are derived.
- Poultry: Domesticated birds kept by humans for their eggs, meat, or feathers.
- Aviculture: The practice of keeping and breeding birds.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Rooster
- Wikipedia's article - Rooster
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