Definitions for "BIRDSMOUTH"
Keywords:  rafter, notch, snug, plate, trusses
A notch in the underside of a RAFTER to allow a horizontal seating at the point of support (usually used with RAISED TIE TRUSSES).
Cut that resembles the open mouth of a bird, which is made in the end of a rafter so that the rafter joints are snug with the top wall plate.
The cut usually located near the end of tailed rafters. The birdsmouth cut rests on the top of the building exterior wall, on a supporting beam or plate.