Throat Lappet
A fleshy, often colorful piece of skin on the throat of some birds, used for display.
What is it?
A throat lappet is a hanging piece of skin on the throat of some birds. In male Cabot's Tragopans, the lappet is bright blue and red and can be inflated during courtship to attract females. Other birds with lappets include turkeys (the snood) and some grouse. The lappet is also called a wattle.
Why it matters
Throat lappets are an example of a special adaptation for attracting mates. They show how evolution can create unusual and colorful body parts.
Where you've seen it
This list grows as you capture more exhibits about birds with lappets.
