Original Wild Facts

Wild Fact #786 – Proud as a Peacock – Peafowl

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Peacock.jpg

Yesterday we talked about the Six Plumed Birds of Paradise which have some pretty impressive colouration and dancing skills.  After finishing that post I felt like talking about another impressive bird.  You can’t tell me that you didn’t think of a Peafowl after watching that video.  You have never heard of a Peafowl you say?  Perhaps you know it better by its more commonly used name, Peacock.  Technically only the males are termed Peacock while the females are called Peahens.  Together they are known as Peafowl.

The Six Plumed Birds of Paradise may have had a pretty impressive show for the ladies but when it comes to showing off the Peacock wrote the manual.  They may not have the dancing skills but they definitely make up for it with their colours.

Photo by: Fir0002/Flagstaffotos

The Peahen will choose her mate based on the size, colour, and quality of the Peacock’s

large feather trains. This is why you will find the males with blue, gold and red “eye” markings.  And just to make sure the ladies are able to see how impressive their colours are the Peacock is able to fan these feathers out in such a large arch that it will come across their neck and touch the ground on either side.  Come on, how do you say no to that?

In fact it must be fairly irresistible since the proficient males are known to have harems containing several Peahens.  Each Peahen will lay about 3 to 5 eggs and generally roost in the forest with other Peahens.  The forest offers protection from predators so it is an ideal place to hide out while laying eggs.

Well that is all I have on the Peafowl for now so go and grab your brightest shirt you can find and head out on the town to do a little “Peacocking”. Have a great weekend everyone!

4 Comments

  1. As a young child it was sort of a status symbol to have these in your garden but it seems to have died out as I do not see them anymore except in bird parks.

    1. That is too bad that you don’t get to see them anymore, Joan. I am sure they would have been a wonderful site. And what a great addition for the yard 🙂

  2. I am sorry but my inner English teacher is fighting to get out. I’ve noticed that you made a few minor grammar errors. When you say “The Peahen will choose her mate based on the size, colour and quality of the Peacocks large feather trains.” There should be a comma after color and an apostrophe before the S on Peacocks since it is possessive. I just thought i should clarify a little and thank you for your time.

    1. @Sadie – Thank you very much for pointing out the grammar errors. I really do appreciate the grammar help…and I know I need a lot of it. 🙂

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