Information on Peacocks & Peacock Feathers

Information on Peacocks & Peacock Feathers. Peacocks are pheasants native to Asia and are best known for the extravagant tail feathers exhibited by the male of the species. These colorful birds have a rich history and have not only captivated the people of Asia, but in Europe and the Americas as well.

General Information

The word "peacock," though widely used to refer to this bird, typically refers to the male of the species. The female is known as the peahen, and collectively, the birds are referred to as peafowl. Peafowl are divided into two distinct species. The green peacock is found from Java to Burma and is less common than the blue peacock. The blue peacock is native to India and Sri Lanka. If you encounter a peafowl in America, it is likely a blue peacock or a descendant thereof. Both species can grow over 13 lbs. and can live as long as 20 years. Aside from appearance, there is little difference in the birds.

Breeding, Diet, and Habitat

Over the years, many peafowl have been bred to achieve a certain appearance, and being kept in captivity has also affected the color of these pheasants. Males may have harems of several females, each of which will lay three to five eggs during the spring and early summer months. Peafowl are notorious for the loud, high-pitched squawking sound they make during mating season. Peafowl have adapted well to domestication and can breed and raise chicks in an enclosed environment just as well as in the wild. The chicks take eight to 10 months to become adults. The blue peacock is hearty and fairly easy to raise in captivity, while the green species is more sensitive to climate. The peafowl is omnivorous and its diet consists of seeds, insects, and various greens. When not in captivity, a peafowl naturally roosts in trees, but will nest on the ground.

History

Peafowl have been popular in Europe since ancient Roman times. Not only were the birds kept as ornamental pets, they were often eaten by the upper class and considered a delicacy. Peafowl are still considered as beautiful and exotic as ever, and many people choose to raise the birds for hobby or profit. The peafowl has been revered in certain cultures for centuries, including India, where it is the national bird. The peacock has also been the long-standing logo a major American national broadcasting network.

Tail Feathers

The peafowl's tail feathers, also referred to as a train, tail, or coverts, have distinct markings known as eyes. The feathers can be several feet in length and are shed in the fall. It is widely believed that the male exhibits its plumage in an attempt to impress the female of the species and entice it to mate. The peafowl's feathers have always been considered beautiful and continue to be incorporated into clothing, decorations, and accessories.

References

• Nat Geo Wild Animals: Peacock
• The Game Bird Gazette; The Peacock Pages: All About Peacock Keeping; Laurie M. Johnson