Hi, I am a male Peafowl, called a Peacock, and you will probably recognize me, because I am spreading my feathers that look like a big fan. A Female Peacock in called a Peahen. When you see a male spreading its feathers, he is courting a female. When I am completely fanned out, my tail will spread behind me in a full semi circle.
The young Peacock is called a Peachick. The adult male is taller and longer than females and I weigh 9 to 13 pounds, and the female will weigh 6 to 9 pounds. My tail is long with very colorful with iridescent feathers. The female posses short tails with a dull brownish gray color.
Females may also display their tails feathers when they are courting, excited or threatened. Males are not involved in building nests, incubation or taking care of the young chicks. Everything dealing with the young, is the responsibility of the females. After the peacocks have danced, pranced, and shook their tail feathers, the mating begins.
The Peahen scrapes a hole in the ground under a shrub or thicket to build the nest. The Peahen sits on her 3 to 12 eggs for 30 days only to leave the nest to hunt for food such as seeds, fruits, termites, small snakes, and insects. When the peachicks hatch, they are fully feathered and able to walk. In two weeks the peachicks can fly short distances and onto the branches of trees for safety. Soon they learn how to forage food, and fly better. They will stay with their mother for about 2 months.
When they are 2 to 3 years old they are mature and develop a full train of adult feathers. One day you may see the beautiful feathers of a Peacock. But remember, the most beautiful ones will be a MALE!
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