• (n. pl.) A circle of feathers surrounding the opening of the ear of birds.
Au·ric'u·lars noun plural (Zoology) A circle of feathers surrounding the opening of the ear of birds. 
feathers covering the side of the head including the ear openings. Also called Cheeks or Ear Coverts. This set of feathers conveys sound into the ear.
Ear coverts or ear patches.
Soft webbed feathers on the side of the bird's head. These feathers overlap the ear and as such are also called ear coverts or ear patch.