What are hackles?

Hackles are long, slender, often glossy feathers on the neck of a bird, especially a male fowl.

Hackles are also the hairs along the back of the neck and backbone of an animal, especially a dog.

When an animal or bird raises its hackles, it is an involuntary action to express communication, such as cold, fear, excitement, anxiety, aggression, nervousness, or uncertainty.

Photographer: Martina Nicolls

Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM