What is the cere?

• A. Lower leg section
• B. Feather growth on the wings
• C. Eye ring
• D. Waxy area above the beak

Answer: (D)

The cere is the waxy, fleshy patch at the base of the upper beak, surrounding the nostrils. In falconry and birds of prey, this area sits above the beak and is often visibly colored, helping you identify the structure quickly. It’s not the lower leg section, not the feathers growing on the wings, and not the eye ring—those are different parts of the bird’s anatomy. The cere’s condition and color can provide quick clues about health and age in some species, which is why recognizing this feature matters.