What Does rooster Mean
The dictionary of the Royal Spanish Academy ( RAE ) collects more than twenty meanings of the term rooster , which derives from the Latin word gallus . The first meaning mentioned is the most used and refers to a domestic bird that is part of the order of the galliformes .
These first indicated data reveal several of the characteristics of the roosters. Birds are vertebrate animals that lay eggs and breathe through lungs. They have a horny beak , have one pair of legs and one pair of wings, and their bodies are protected by feathers.
The rooster's scientific name is Gallus gallus domesticus.
As in the rest of the galliformes, in addition, the beak of the rooster is somewhat curved to dig into the ground. Its legs are robust, while its short wings do not allow it to sustain flight for long distances.
Rooster appearance
With a scientific name Gallus gallus domesticus , the rooster stands out for its two caruncles : this is the name of a reddish and erectile fleshy that certain animals exhibit on their heads .
In the specific case of the rooster, it has a crest on the crown (the upper sector of its head) and lobes on the sides of the bill. Regarding the beak, it can be said that it is thick and short.
The plumage of the rooster, meanwhile, is characterized by luster. From June to October the molt takes place: thus, orange-toned feathers cover the body, with others of black color in the middle of the back.
Roosters, on the other hand, possess strong tarsi with dewclaws . Tarsus is the narrow area of the legs where the toes meet the tibia , while the spurs are apophyses (projecting sections of a bone).
The crest and the red lobes characterize the rooster.
Differences with the hen
It is important to mention that the rooster is the male specimen of the Gallus gallus domesticus species . The female is called the hen . The baby is usually called chicken , which is the name that is also given to the meat of this animal.
There is a marked sexual dimorphism between roosters and hens. Roosters are much larger than hens: they can weigh about 4 kilograms and reach a height of 50 centimeters, unlike chickens that weigh 2 kg and measure about 40 cm.
In chickens, on the other hand, the caruncles are less prominent . As for the plumage, it is more colorful in the roosters.
Feeding, singing and behavior of the rooster
Roosters are omnivorous animals . They can eat insects, worms, seeds and leaves, for example.
As long as they have not been neutered, the roosters crow throughout the day. They emit a sound that is usually described as kikirikí or kokorokó and that allows them to give a warning to attract the chickens that are in the vicinity. Beyond the song, the rooster also communicates with the cackling ( clo-clo ), calmer than the song .
His behavior is gregarious : he tends to remain in a group. These groups are organized hierarchically, being led by a dominant rooster. In general, the rooster is a territorial bird but it can be domesticated and even behave as a companion animal.
Exploitation by humans
Since its domestication, which began around 7,400 years ago, the rooster has been exploited in different ways by people. It is routinely raised for its meat , considered a staple food worldwide.
The chicken is valued for their levels of zinc, iron, magnesium and vitamin A, among others. It can be prepared roasted, stewed, fried, and in other ways. Its minced meat also makes it possible to make hamburgers and cold cuts.
Roosters are also bred for fights or squabbles , which usually move a lot of money for gambling. This activity is traditional in some regions, although many animal organizations denounce its cruelty.