A cockerel is a young male chicken, typically under one year old. Cockerels are known for their distinctive crowing, which is a vocalization used to establish territory and attract hens. They are often colorful, with bright feathers that can vary widely in pattern and hue. Cockerels are an important part of poultry farming and backyard flocks. They help protect the flock from predators and can contribute to breeding when kept with hens. As they mature, cockerels become roosters, which are adult male chickens that continue to play a vital role in the flock's social structure.