Amazing Facts About Peacocks
There are many types of bird in the world, all with their own distinct colours and vibrant shadings. One bird that tops the lot though is the peacock, which is part of the peafowl family along with pheasant. The male of the species has the ability to display their tail feather plumage to attract mates, making them the biggest show offs in the animal kingdom!
I was once had a run in with a peacock, I jest ye not! I was about 6 years old and was taken to a local zoo, where peacocks were allowed to roam the garden and do exactly as they pleased. One came up to me with an inquisitive manner to see what was going on. Not a great deal, just a 6 year old eating an ice cream. Not for long! Quick as a flash the peacock napped my Cornetto and ran off, leaving me a blubbering, hungry mess in the corner.
Even though one as scarred my emotionally for life, I still like peacocks. Here’s a few interesting facts about this little blighters that you may not be aware of –
Mating Display
The peacock is of course most famous for their ostentatious showing of their back feathers to attract all the local ladies. The female of the species is actually called a peahen and cannot do this, so it’s the males who strut around as ‘proud as a peacock’. The train of feathers actually changes colour depending on where the light hits it, and is one of the most amazing sights in the animal kingdom.
Distinctive Call
The peacock cry is very different from most other animals. It’s sounds very similar to a baby crying, and can be heard across great distances. They have over 10 regular calls that mean different things, but the noise can sometimes be overpowered. Quiet these animals are not!
Fast Learners
Young peacocks don’t mess about when it comes to learning the tricks of the trade from their parents. Once they have hatched, within as little as three days they are already out foraging for food, whilst some of them are even ready to fly within a week of being born.
The peacock truly is a special and unique bird, and one that has been held in regal regard for thousands of years. The fact the one that stole my Cornetto has not changed my view on these amazing animals, just keep your wits about you when one comes sniffing around!