Peacocks show impressive tail feathers.
The peafowl bird species includes male peacocks and female peahens. The impressive sight of a peacock strutting with his tail feathers plumed out often comes to mind at the mention of peacocks. You will only find the colorful peafowl feathers on the male peacocks, with peahens exhibiting more muted colors in their feathers. When you understand the differences between peafowl genders, you can tell a peahen from a peacock easily.
Instructions
1. Examine the tail feathers of a peafowl. If a peacock is at least 3 years old, you should see colored tail feathers, even when the peacock is not fanning its tail. A peahen has tail feathers, but they are a dull and muted brown or gray color.
2. Notice the coloring on the breast, head and neck of a peafowl. Male peafowl species often have vivid green or blue feathers on these areas. A peahen may have a hint of green feathers on her neck, but she will lack the same vivid coloring of a peacock. A peahen often has a cream-colored underside.
3. Observe the size of the peafowl. Peacocks can grow up to 7 1/2 feet long and females may grow only about 3 feet long, according to the Animal Corner website. A peacock might weigh between 9 and 13 lbs., and a peahen might weigh between 6 and 9 lbs.
4. Watch the behavior of the peafowl, especially during the mating season when a peacock may be trying to attract peahens. A peacock will fan its tail, exhibiting green, blue and golden "eyes" throughout the feathers. Peacocks often strut with their tails fanned, and they may make loud crows to peahens to attract additional attention.
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