the hairs over the neck and back that are elevated by arrector pili muscles in response to fright or anger. A mechanism to threaten opponents, perhaps by appearing larger.
h. feathers the feathers of the dorsal cervical tract of the domestic fowl that cover the dorsal and lateral parts of the neck. In the rooster they are often large and colorful and are erected as a sign of aggression.
Copyright: Blood DC, Studdert VP, 1999. Saunders Comprehensive Veterinary Dictionary, 2nd Edition. London, UK: WB Saunders.
Date of entry: 19/02/2009