noun
female bird
Only when written 雌鳥
General term for any female bird. Often contrasted with 雄鳥 (おんどり, male bird).
See also: 雄鳥
そのめんどりは巣で卵を温めていた。
The female bird was warming its eggs in the nest.
noun
hen; female chicken
Specifically a female chicken. The kanji 雌鶏 is especially associated with this meaning.
See also: 雄鶏
めんどりが毎朝卵を産む。
The hen lays an egg every morning.
Kanji spelling specifically for 'hen'. This is especially used for the chicken sense.
Compound of 雌 (めん, female) + 鳥 (とり, bird). The reading めん is an older form of めす (female).