Peahens, female peafowl, often spark curiosity due to their association with the famously ornate peacocks. While peacocks are renowned for their spectacular feather displays, many wonder if peahens engage in similar exhibitions. Understanding their distinct characteristics and behaviors provides insight into the roles each sex plays.
The Peahen’s Tail: What They Do (and Don’t Do)
Peahens do not possess the large, fan-like tail feathers, or train, that peacocks display. Their tail feathers are significantly shorter and consist of muted colors, primarily browns, grays, and some green or cream hues. This plumage provides camouflage, beneficial for nesting and avoiding predators.
Any fanning motion by a peahen is minimal, serving purposes such as balance during movement or flight, rather than an expansive visual display. While some peahens might exhibit a slight fanning action, it lacks the dramatic size and vibrant iridescence seen in peacocks. Their tail structure is functional, designed for mobility and blending into their environment, contrasting sharply with the male’s ornamental feathers.
The Peacock’s Display: A Striking Contrast
The peacock’s elaborate display is a well-known spectacle, characterized by a large, iridescent train composed of elongated upper tail covert feathers. These feathers can reach lengths of 55 to 63 inches and feature numerous “eyespots” or ocelli. Peacocks spread this train into a shimmering fan, often vibrating the feathers to produce a rustling sound, known as “train-rattling.”
This striking exhibition serves as a primary tool for attracting mates during breeding season. The vibrancy, symmetry, and number of eyespots on a peacock’s train signal his health and genetic fitness. Such an energetically costly display, according to the handicap principle, demonstrates a male’s ability to survive despite the burden of his extravagant plumage.
Peahen Courtship and Behavior
Since peahens do not display their own tail feathers, their role in courtship centers on mate selection. Peahens are discerning choosers, evaluating potential mates based on cues from the peacock’s display. They assess the quality of the male’s train, including the number and symmetry of eyespots, and the overall vibrancy and health of his plumage. Studies indicate that peahens prefer males with more elaborate and symmetrical displays, which suggest good genes.
Beyond visual cues, peahens also consider the male’s vigor and behavior during the display, such as the energy in his movements and vocalizations. Research using eye-tracking technology shows that peahens pay particular attention to the lower train and “train-rattling” movements during close-up assessment. Peahens also engage in other behaviors like using specific calls for communication and exhibiting subtle body language, contributing to their complex social and reproductive interactions.