Roof vents

[dougie_monty]

What is the name for those pumpkin-shaped (bulbous) things, with slitted sides, that whirl on top of roofs? They seem to be turned by wind currents. I always called them "pumpkins," but I don't know that that's their right name (or ever could be).

[Scarlett67]

I *think* their real name is "wind turbines."

However, in one of my favorite childhood books (one of the many that were gifts from a librarian aunt), Chimney-Top Lane, a similar item was called a chimney monkey -- and that's what I've called them ever since, even after I learned the right name a few years ago. I even have Mr. S. calling them that.

[Yeah]

They are called "turbine vents."

[barflyer]

My garden and rural supply catalog lists them as Pinwheel Vane Vents.

[bernse]

Another name for them is "Whirly Birds".