The scientific name of the rooster is Gallus gallus domesticus.
The dictionary of the Royal Spanish Academy ( RAE ) includes 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 Galliformes .
These first data mentioned 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 a pair of legs and another pair of wings, and their bodies are protected by feathers.
As in the rest of the galliformes, the rooster's beak 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 the scientific name Gallus gallus domesticus , the rooster stands out for its two caruncles : this is the name given to a reddish, erectile fleshiness 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 beak. 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, molting occurs: orange feathers cover the body, with black feathers in the middle of the back.
Roosters, on the other hand, have strong tarsi with spurs . The narrow area of the legs where the fingers join the tibia is called the tarsus, while the spurs are apophyses (protruding sections of a bone).
The crest and red lobes characterize the rooster.
Differences with the chicken
It is important to mention that the rooster is the male specimen of the species Gallus gallus domesticus . The female is called the chicken . The baby is usually called chicken , which is the name 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 hens that weigh 2 kg and measure about 40 cm.
In chickens, on the other hand, the caruncles are less prominent . As for plumage, it is more colorful in roosters.
Rooster feeding, singing and behavior
Roosters are omnivorous animals. They can eat insects, worms, seeds and leaves, for example.
As long as they have not been castrated, 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 chickens that are nearby. Beyond crowing, the rooster also communicates with crowing ( clo-clo ), quieter than crowing .
Their behavior is gregarious : they tend to stay in groups. 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 pet.
Exploitation by humans
Since its domestication, which began about 7,400 years ago, the rooster has been exploited in different ways by people. It is usually raised for its meat , considered a staple food worldwide.
Chicken is valued for its levels of zinc, iron, magnesium and vitamin A, among other elements. It can be prepared roasted, stewed, fried and in other ways. Its minced meat can also be used to make hamburgers and cold cuts.
Roosters are also raised for fights or brawls , which usually move a lot of money through bets. This activity is traditional in some regions, although numerous animal rights organizations denounce its cruelty.