Turkey wattle is kind of fun to say. On turkeys, it’s even kind of fun to watch them wobble back and forth. On humans, however, a turkey wattle is not really that fun at all.
Turkey wattle is the colloquial term for loose, sagging skin underneath the chin. Unlike a double chin, which produces a bulky and full appearance, turkey wattle presents as saggy, loose, and droopy. It’s a condition that can sometimes be exacerbated by weight fluctuations, inadequate skincare, and lifestyle choice like tobacco use, but it’s often genetic or a simple consequence of aging.
The thing is, while developing a turkey wattle may be unavoidable, living with it doesn’t have to be. And at Rebecca Fitzgerald, MD Dermatology, we provide safe and non-surgical solutions that restore firmness, eliminate sagging skin, and create a smoother and more attractive neckline, regardless of the underlying cause.
The wattle is the distinctive flap of flesh that hangs from the neck and head of a turkey. This bumpy, warty red skin is an iconic feature that makes wild turkeys instantly recognizable. But what exactly is the wattle and what purpose does it serve for the turkey?
Turkey Wattle Basics
The wattle is the piece of loose wrinkly skin that dangles from the throat of male and female wild turkeys. It is bright red in color and has a bumpy irregular texture.
The wattle hangs down from the turkey’s neck and chin area. It sways back and forth when the turkey walks. The wattle is very noticeable on male turkeys, called toms. Female turkeys, known as hens, also have wattles but they are much smaller.
In addition to the wattle, turkeys also have another piece of flesh that grows from their forehead down over their beak. This is called the snood. The snood is similarly bright red and bumpy.
The wattle, snood, and other fleshy growths on the turkey’s head are all called caruncles.
Functions of the Turkey Wattle
The wattle serves several important functions for wild turkeys:
-
Temperature regulation – Turkeys do not have sweat glands. The bare skin of the wattle helps release excess body heat on hot days. This prevents the bird from overheating.
-
Courtship display – During mating season, more blood flows to the tom’s wattle, causing it to become engorged and vivid red. This signals his dominance and attracts female mates.
-
Health indication – The wattle’s color changes depending on the turkey’s health. A bright red wattle indicates a strong, virile bird. But if the turkey is sick or stressed, the wattle will become pale.
-
Mood signal – Blood flow to the wattle also correlates with the turkey’s mood. An alarmed turkey will have a bluish wattle as blood retracts. A content, relaxed bird will have a vibrant red wattle.
-
Distinguishing features – No two turkeys have wattles with the exact same shape and texture. This helps turkeys recognize individuals in their flock.
Other Birds With Wattles
While turkeys are certainly famous for their prominent wattles, they aren’t the only birds to have these distinctive fleshy appendages. Some other birds that possess wattles include:
- Roosters
- Pheasants
- Cassowaries
- Curassows
- Pelicans
- Native hens
- Crested screamers
However, the turkey’s wattle is one of the largest and most distinctive in the avian world. No other North American bird has such a prominent wattle.
Origin and Growth of the Wattle
Turkey wattles begin developing when the birds are poults (chicks). The wattle first appears as a small bump on the neck which gradually enlarges as the turkey matures.
By one year of age, the wattle is nearly fully grown. It will continue to increase slightly in size throughout the bird’s life.
The wattle originates in the turkey’s trachea. It grows as an outpouching of the mucous membranes in this part of the respiratory tract. As it enlarges, it droops down over the neck skin.
The exact purpose for this tracheal outgrowth is unknown. But over time, turkeys evolved to utilize it for display, signaling, and temperature regulation.
Can Humans Get Turkey Wattles?
There is a phenomenon in humans nicknamed “turkey wattle” that creates a wattle-like appearance under the chin. However, it has no relation to actual turkey anatomy.
In people, “turkey wattle” refers to the sagging, loose skin that sags from the jawline and neck in older adults. This happens due to loss of collagen, elastin, and facial fat as we age. The pendulous skin under the chin resembles a turkey’s wattle.
While unsightly, turkey wattle on people is harmless. But it can make individuals appear much older than they are. Treating it requires skin tightening procedures from a cosmetic dermatologist or plastic surgeon.
The wattle is an integral part of the wild turkey’s anatomy. It serves many important functions and has helped define the visual appearance of this iconic American bird. While humans may sometimes share a turkey-like wattle under the chin, on birds this fleshy flap is an important adaptation. The wattle makes the turkey a true wonder of nature!
Smoothing and Contouring the Neck
There are surgical options for tightening the neck, and sometimes these are the only viable options for excess skin. But when there is a lesser degree of contour correction needed, you may be a candidate for procedures that don’t include a scalpel.
The benefits of non-surgical skin tightening are obvious as there is generally little to no downtime and you can often see pronounced results without forcing you to restructure your life. How great is that?
One of the most effective treatments for skin laxity along the neck is RF microneedling. We offer several options, including Ellacor® and GENIUS®, to ensure we provide the right solution for each need. Ellacor does include some recovery downtime, but there is no incision scarring to worry about. In addition, we offer Thermage®, a stand-alone radiofrequency treatment that tighten skin. These are powerful options for individuals dealing with a combination of issues.
Another impressive skin tightening option is Ultherapy®, which uses ultrasound energy to tighten skin on the brow area, neck, and chest. Ultherapy can produce results approaching a surgical correction and remains one of the most popular options for pronounced skin laxity underneath the chin.
Understand Turkey Anatomy – What You Need to Know (Snood, Caruncle, Wattle)
FAQ
What is the purpose of a turkey wattle?
What is another name for a turkey wattle?
What’s the difference between a wattle and a snood on a turkey?
Do only male turkeys have wattles?