Interesting Facts About Peacocks

Peacocks are beautiful birds. Their wonderful feathers have long been used for adornment. According to Greek Mythology the peacock was a physical representation of Hera, Queen of the Gods. Read on to learn more interesting facts about peacocks.

Peacocks are members of the pheasant family.

The word peacock actually refers to the male bird but the word is commonly used to refer to both sexes of this species.

The most common breed of peacock is the Indian Blue.

Peacocks are omnivores. Their diet may consist mostly of grain, grass, plants, insects and other small creatures although peacocks will eat just about anything.

Peacocks have an average lifespan of twenty years in the wild.

A family of peacocks is known as a bevy. A group of peacocks is referred to as a party.

Peacocks prefer peace and harmony and will try to avoid commotion.

Peacocks have a crest or crown on the top of their heads that gives them a royal appearance.

According to history peacocks were brought to Egypt more than three thousand years ago by the Phoenicians.

Peacocks are quite sociable birds.

Peacocks reach maturity between eight and ten months of age.

Contrary to popular belief, peacocks do fly but only for short distances.

Peacocks get along well with other birds and like plenty of open space where they can roam free. They also enjoy being where they can get plenty of sunlight.

Males may have a harem of females which will each lay three to five eggs.

The average length of an adult peacock's beak is an inch long.

Peacock feathers are still popular decorations and are often used in crafts.

Peacocks are one of the easiest birds to raise.

Female peacocks make excellent mothers.

At night peacocks like to roost up high in trees or other high places.

The brilliant hues and decorative "eye" of a peacock's tail feathers are this bird's trademark. An adult peacock's train of feathers can be sixty inches long.

A peacock can have a wingspan of up to six feet.

Down through the ages peacock feathers have been a topic of superstition and folklore. According to various sources they may be considered as a token of good luck or feared as a bearer of ill fortune.

A peacock uses its large train in courtship and mating rituals.

The Congo peacock is a little known species of peacock that inhabits African rain forests.

The peacock has long been a symbol of beauty and elegance, and rightly so.

I hope you have enjoyed reading these interesting facts about the lovely, intriguing peacock. It is truly a beautiful bird.

Sources:

www.nationalzoo.si.edu

http://animals.nationageographic.com