(Pavo cristatus) - Wild

Peafowl, particularly the males, are one of the most colorful and strikingly marked of all birds. One of the best known features of these birds is the fan or "train" of the peacock, which is opened and displayed by the male to attract the peahen. These feathers are actually long extensions of the upper tail covers. They are supported from underneath by the much shorter tail feathers. These feathers grow to be several feet long, but are shed each year just after the breeding season. Each of these long feathers also has a design near its tip which resembles an eye. The feathers of the peacock are composed of many colors, including Crescent sheens of bright blue and green. The peahen lacks these long, showy tall feathers and although colorful, is not nearly as brilliant as the male. Both sexes also have a crest of short, erect feathers along the crown of their heads.(read more)

Photos by Juan C Aguero (juanKa)
Everglades Holiday Park
May19,2009