Bright, bold, and beautiful, peacocks really know how to strut their stuff. With plumage like theirs, it’s hard to blame them. The gorgeous birds are members of the pheasant family, and have long been prized by humans as both pets and symbols of royalty. However, it is worthy to note that only the male of the species is technically a peacock. As a collective term, this species is known as “peafowl”, with the females being “peahens”. Not only are these birds lovely to look at, they’re also pretty fascinating. For instance, did you know….

Late Bloomers

It’s pretty safe to say that their colorful feathers are the most distinctive trait of peacocks. It’s the males that boast those brightly hued feathers, all in an effort to attract female mates. Females, by comparison, are usually covered with brownish-gray plumage. While this may make the females look a bit more drab in comparison, they’re actually much better suited to survival from attack, as they can camouflage themselves much more easily. But, a male peacock doesn’t hatch looking so bright and bold. It actually takes about 3 years for those trademark tail feathers to grow in.

Back In The Day

There are only 3 different species of peacock in all the world. Both the blue and green species are native to Asia, while the third is native to Africa. The Indian peafowl is considered perhaps the oldest known ornamental bird. It is believed that the people of China were the first to import and domesticate them. Mesopotamian cultures would be introduced to them around 4,000 years ago and were traded from Egypt to the Mediterranean. While the birds became quite popular pets and status symbols, they also became considered a delicacy at the dinner table. In Europe, all the way up until the 1600’s, peacocks were a status menu option.

Shake Yo Tail Feathers

The tail feathers of peacocks are collectively known as a “train”. The train can reach up to 6 feet behind the bird itself, and makes up 60% of their total body length. A typical bird will have around 200 tail feathers. The feathers themselves are actually covered in structures that are very similar to crystals in the way in which they reflect different wavelengths of light. Every year after mating season, peacocks will shed their train. Wild peacocks have a lifespan of about 20 years, while domesticated ones can live up to 50 years. That’s a lot of shed feathers.

You Can Fly! You Can Fly! You Can Fly!

Even though we typically see peacocks strutting their schtuffs around on the ground, they are able to fly. In fact, they are ranked as one of the largest flying birds in the world. Peacocks really only take flight for short distances, however. On land, they can reach speeds up to 16kph, not too shabby!