- Male – peacock
- Female – peahen
- Baby – chick
The male has a brightly coloured tail with 'eyes' to ward off enemies and to attract females. According to Greek mythology,
these 'eyes' were placed there by Hera to commemorate her faithful watchman, Argus, who had 100 eyes.
Peafowls lose their tail feathers in August, until they re-grow in February, longer and more beautiful. The female has a mixture
of dull green, brown and grey in her plumage.
In the Middle Ages the flesh of the Peafowl was highly prized, but it is tough and not really suitable for consumption, only
being served as a luxury at banquets. Thanks to its reputation as being immortal, the peafowl was also a symbol of the Catholic
Church, and is now protected.
Facts
- Peacocks shed their tail feathers in the summer and they re-grow in the spring.
- The peacock uses his tail to attract the peahen, and to frighten off enemies.
- The female does not have a long tail.
- In Victorian times peacocks were eaten at Christmas and other festivals. They are still eaten in India today.