Peafowl are recognized globally for their striking appearance, particularly the males with their elaborate feather displays. However, the female peafowl, known as the peahen, often receives less attention despite playing a central role in the species’ survival and reproduction. Understanding the peahen’s characteristics and behaviors offers a fuller picture of these fascinating birds.
Defining the Female Peacock
The term “peacock” specifically refers to the male peafowl, while the female is correctly identified as a peahen. Peahens exhibit distinct physical characteristics that differentiate them from their male counterparts. Indian peahens, for instance, typically display a more subdued plumage, predominantly brown with a white face and an iridescent green lower neck. Their upper body is brownish with pale mottling, and their tail feathers are dark brown. This coloration provides camouflage, beneficial for nesting and avoiding predators.
Peahens possess a crest atop their heads, similar to males, though the crest feathers are usually rufous-brown with chestnut tips or cream-colored. Unlike the male’s expansive train, a peahen’s tail is significantly shorter and lacks the elaborate eye-spots (ocelli). The peahen’s tail is generally scaly or mottled with shades of brown and copper. Peahens are smaller than peacocks, measuring approximately 35 to 43 inches in length and weighing between 6 and 8.8 pounds. Peacocks can be up to 98 inches long, including their impressive train, and weigh 8 to 13 pounds.
Life and Role of the Peahen
Peahens play a central role in the peafowl’s reproductive cycle and the upbringing of their young. During mating season, peahens evaluate potential mates based on various cues, including the male’s elaborate display. They assess the size, symmetry, and quality of the male’s plumage, with larger and more symmetrical displays often indicating good genes and overall health. Peahens also consider auditory signals, listening to the male’s calls to gauge his health and age.
Once mating occurs, the peahen is solely responsible for nesting and raising the chicks. Peahens typically build their nests on the ground, creating shallow hollow scrapes lined with leaves, sticks, and other debris, often concealed under brush or in thickets. A peahen lays a clutch of three to eight oval-shaped eggs, measuring about 2.45 to 3 inches in length.
The incubation period for peahen eggs is approximately 28 to 30 days, during which the peahen sits on the eggs almost constantly. After hatching, the peachicks are fully feathered and capable of walking, staying with their mother for several weeks as she guides them to forage.
Common Misconceptions and Facts
A common misconception is that peahens possess the same long, elaborate tail feathers as peacocks. Their tails are much shorter and duller in color, providing camouflage that assists them in blending into their surroundings, especially when nesting. This shorter tail also provides peahens with an advantage in flight, making them more agile in the air than peacocks, which helps them escape predators.
Peahens also have distinct vocalizations that differ from the male’s loud, piercing calls. While peacocks are known for their wailing screams, peahens use a more nasal calling sound to communicate with other peahens. These calls can convey messages about threats, helping protect their nests. Peahens can fly, despite their large size, often flying into tall trees to roost at night.