What Are The Holes On A Bearded Dragon Head?

Have you ever looked at your bearded dragon and noticed those little holes on its head? If you’ve ever wondered what they are—ears, extra nostrils, or something else entirely—you’re not alone.

Many reptile owners are surprised to learn that these tiny openings have a fascinating purpose.

Types of Holes on a Bearded Dragon’s Head

Bearded dragons have a few weird-looking holes on their heads. If you’re new to owning one, you might wonder, “Is my beardie missing pieces?” Nope! Those holes are totally normal and serve important purposes. Let’s break them down.

1. Ear Holes – The Secret Listening Devices

These are the big, open holes on the sides of their heads. No, your beardie didn’t forget to grow ears! They just don’t have external ones like us.

What do they do?

• Help them hear predators sneaking up.
• Pick up sounds from their environment.
• Make them look extra cool and mysterious.

I remember the first time I saw my dragon’s ear holes—I panicked. I thought he had lost a chunk of his head! Turns out, he was just judging me with his superior hearing.

2. Parietal Eye – The “Third Eye”

Look closely at the top of their head. See a tiny, grayish dot? That’s their parietal eye, also known as the “third eye.” Sounds mystical, right? But no, your beardie isn’t psychic (or is he?).

What’s it for?

• Detects light changes, like a shadow passing overhead.
• Helps them sense potential danger (like a bird flying by).
• Basically, their built-in alarm system.

Fun fact: If you try sneaking up on your bearded dragon, they’ll probably notice—thanks to this hidden superpower!

3. Nostril Holes

Yep, those tiny holes on their snout are exactly what you think—nostrils! Bearded dragons may not have a strong sense of smell, but they use their noses for more than just breathing.

Why do they need nostrils?

• To sniff out food.
• To detect other beardies nearby.
• To occasionally make cute little snorting noises.

I’ve seen my dragon sniff the air dramatically before launching himself at a cricket. It’s like he’s got a built-in food radar.

Want to dive deeper into Bearded Dragon? This article has all the answers! A Complete Guide to Bearded Dragon Anatomy [Secrets Beneath the Scales]

4. Femoral Pores – Not on the Head, but Worth Mentioning

Okay, these aren’t on the head, but let’s talk about them because they confuse a lot of new owners. These are little spots on their underside near the legs.

What do they do?

• Secrete pheromones (aka beardie cologne).
• Help with marking territory.
• Look a little weird but are completely normal.

If your bearded dragon has clogged femoral pores, you might need to give them a warm bath. Basically, a spa day for your reptile.

Common Concerns About These Holes

Bearded dragons are tough little guys, but their holes need some care. Here are common concerns and what to do about them.

“Are These Holes Supposed to Be Open?”

Yep! Their ear holes, nostrils, and parietal eye should all be open and clear. If anything looks blocked, it could be a problem.

I once thought my beardie, Spike, had a missing ear. Turns out, it was just covered by a stubborn shed. Oops.

“What If They Look Swollen or Infected?”

Swelling, redness, or discharge? That’s not normal. It could be an infection, an abscess, or even mites.

What to do:

• Check for dirt or shed blocking the hole.
• Clean gently with a damp cotton swab.
• If it looks bad or smells weird, call a vet.

“Why Is There Stuff Coming Out of My Beardie’s Holes?”

Depends on the hole!

Hole	Possible Gunk	What It Means
Nostrils	Mucus	Could be a respiratory infection. Vet time!
Ear Holes	Wax-like buildup	Normal, but clean if excessive.
Femoral Pores	Thick, white plugs	Hormonal buildup. Soak and gently clean.

One time, I freaked out because I saw something white in Spike’s ear. Turns out, it was just a piece of stuck shed. Crisis averted.