Peacocks are well known for their colorful plumage but the word peacock actually refers to the males of the species. Females have feathers that are more suited to blend in with the surroundings. Females of the species are referred to as peahens.
Terminology
Peafowl is a collective term that refers to peacocks, peahens and peachicks. The San Diego Zoo states that a group of peafowl is called a ostentation or a pride.
Types
Peafowl are members of the pheasant family. There are three species of peafowl that include the Indian, green and Congo. The Congo peafowl is listed as endangered.
Features
Male peacocks use their long trail of tail feathers to attract females. They use their short, stiff feathers to prop up the long train into a fan shape.
Diet
Peafowl are ground feeders that eat insects, plants, berries, grain and small creatures such as reptiles and mammals.
Fun Fact
The Indian peafowl is the national bird of India and has a protected status in that country.
References
Photo Credits
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Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Tony
Writer Bio
Darlene Zagata has been a professional writer since 2001, specializing in health, parenting and pet care. She is the author of two books and a contributing author to several anthologies. Zagata attended the Laurel Business Institute to study in the medical assistant/secretarial program. She earned her associate degree through the U.S. Career Institute.
