Wattles are fleshy growths found on various animals, often brightly colored and distinctive in appearance. They serve multiple functions integral to an animal’s survival and reproductive success.
Defining Wattles
A wattle is a fleshy, often wrinkled or bumpy, outgrowth typically found hanging from an animal’s head or neck. These structures are composed primarily of skin, connective tissue, and a rich network of blood vessels. Wattles are generally bare, meaning they are unfeathered or unhaired, which contributes to their prominent appearance.
These structures can vary in form, appearing as paired flaps of skin or sometimes as a single, pendulous growth, also referred to as a dewlap. Their elasticity and vascularity allow them to change in size, shape, and color depending on factors like blood flow, excitement, or overall health.
Animals with Wattles
Wattles are a prominent feature in many avian species, perhaps most famously seen in domestic fowl. Roosters, for example, possess two flexible, reddish flaps of skin that hang beneath their beak. Similarly, turkeys are easily identified by the fleshy, often red, bumpy skin that hangs from their neck and chin. Both male and female turkeys have wattles, though they are much more noticeable in males.
Beyond common poultry, wattles appear in a diverse array of wild birds. Cassowaries, large flightless birds native to New Guinea and Australia, feature wattles that can be blue, red, purple, gold, or white, varying among subspecies. Other examples include certain storks, plovers, pheasants, and bellbirds, all showcasing wattles in various forms and locations on their heads or necks. Some species, like the African wattle-eye, even derive part of their common name from this distinctive anatomical trait.
While less common, wattles are also found in some mammals. Certain domestic goat breeds exhibit small, fleshy, fur-covered protuberances, sometimes called tassels, hanging on either side of their throat. Specific pig breeds, such as the Red Wattle pig, Kunekune, and Lithuanian Native pig, have fleshy growths that dangle from their throat area.
The Purpose of Wattles
Wattles serve multiple biological functions, playing a role in an animal’s survival and reproductive strategies. One primary purpose is sexual display and mate attraction.
Large, brightly colored wattles often signal health and genetic fitness to potential mates. In roosters, wattle size and brightness are linked to testosterone levels, indicating a male’s quality and influencing a hen’s choice. When a male turkey courts, extra blood rushes into its wattle, making it glow bright scarlet for visual impact.
Wattles also play a role in thermoregulation, helping animals manage body temperature. Since birds cannot sweat, the wattle’s bare skin and extensive blood supply allow for the dissipation of excess heat. In hot weather, increased blood circulation to the wattles helps the animal cool down efficiently. Conversely, in colder conditions, blood flow can decrease to conserve body heat.
Wattles can function as indicators of an animal’s overall health. Healthy wattles appear plump, smooth, and vibrant in color. Any changes, such as paleness, darkening, or shriveling, can signal poor health, stress, or disease.
Wattles contribute to social signaling and can be used for intimidation or defense. Their size and color communicate social status or dominance within a group. During territorial disputes or perceived threats, an animal might engorge its wattles with blood, making them appear larger and more formidable. A turkey’s wattle can even change color, turning blue when scared, demonstrating its role in conveying emotional states.