Hyperpallium

The hyperpallium (formerly called the hyperstriatum or the wulst[1]) is the destination for lemnothalamic projections in birds.

The projections as well as the granular cells at the destination of the lemnothalamic projections to the hyperpallium are similar in morphology, electrophysiology, retinotopic organization, and columnar organization to the striate cortex in mammals.

These avian granular cells are thought to have evolved independently in birds, as they do not appear in reptiles.

The efferents of the telencephalic components of the lemnothalamic pathway project to the optic tectum (equivalent to the superior colliculus), the lemnothalamic visual nucleus, as well as other optic tract targets.

The hyperpallium is observed to be large and well developed in raptors such as eagles, hawks, and owls.