1. Plural of auricular; feathers covering the ear region of a bird's head.
Usage: ornithology; typically used in bird identification and anatomy
2. Plural of auricular; relating to or affecting the ear or the sense of hearing.
Usage: medical/anatomical context; less common as a standalone noun

Examples

• The auriculars of the owl are specially adapted to help with sound localization.
• Birdwatchers use the pattern of auriculars to distinguish between similar species.
• The hawk's auriculars are darker than those of the falcon.
• In ornithology, auriculars are an important field mark for species identification.
• The auriculars blend seamlessly with the surrounding head feathers in many birds.