Hen feathering

Hen feathering in cocks is the occurrence of a genetically conditioned character in domestic fowl (Gallus gallus domesticus). Males with this condition develop a female-type plumage, although otherwise look and respond as virile males.

Hen-feathering in cocks is one of the typical characteristics of the Sebright Bantam, a breed established circa 1810, in accordance with the intentions of its creator, Sir John Saunders Sebright.

Sexual dimorphism in plumage is very common in birds, particularly within Phasianidae where males are bigger and have brighter and more colorful plumage than females among other morphological differences.