Which term refers to the end of the rafter that may be cut off at the heel of birds mouth or project past the building line?

The term that refers to the end of the rafter which can be cut off at the heel of the bird's mouth or may extend beyond the building line is known as the tail. In roofing terminology, the tail of the rafter serves an important purpose. It often provides support to the roof overhang and helps to define the eaves of the structure. The design and length of the tail can affect both the aesthetics and functionality of the roof, particularly in terms of drainage and protection from water infiltration.

In contrast, a collar tie is used to connect opposing rafters at a designated point and helps prevent the rafters from spreading apart. The top chord and bottom chord are specific components of trusses; the top chord refers to the upper member that forms the peak of the truss, while the bottom chord is the lower member that runs parallel to the ground. These components serve distinct roles in structural integrity and load distribution, separate from the concept of the rafter tail.