Is there a specific name for this feature:
I think this is purely for aesthetics, generally a horizontal mini-roof that connects the lowest points of a gable end. I believe it's to visually break up the otherwise large expanse of side wall, although without a term to look up I'm finding it hard to research.
As answered in the comments, it looks like this feature has a few names:
There are a handful of colloquial terms for specific types of "eave returns" - "pork chop returns", "mutton chop returns", "bird boxes", "catwalks".
Sources:
Full cornice return is a fairly correct description (although it is more than just a return). We have used the term closed gable.
Its a "pent" roof that forms the bottom of triangular pediment. Its all derived from classical Greek and Roman temples. It does allow the cornice to return and creates a roof eave.
My guys always called them eyebrows. The builders called them gable returns in Georgia
The name for this is a "gable cornice strip" because the roofing goes all the way from one end of the gable to the other. If the roofing material does not go all the way across and dead ends at the siding on either or both sides, it would be called a "gable cornice return".
Gable cornice. I call them catwalks. Eyebrows are generally separated left and right. When both sides of the gable are individually done. Eyebrow returns are when those individual eyebrows get wrapped the short distance back to the house siding.
Hopefully I was instructed correctly lol
