Some animals on the farm are fluffy. Some are shaggy. And then there are the peacocks, who are just plain fabulous. With their shimmering feathers and that famous fan, peacocks are the showiest birds at Eagle Eye Farm, and they definitely know it.
Peacock, peahen or peafowl?
Here's a fun fact to start: "peacock" technically only refers to the males. The females are called peahens, and the babies are called peachicks. Together, they're all peafowl. Most people just say "peacocks" for the whole group, and that's okay with us.
The famous fan
That gorgeous spread of feathers is called a train, and believe it or not, it isn't actually the tail. The long train feathers grow from the peacock's back, and the shorter tail feathers underneath help hold the train up when he fans it out. When a peacock shows off, he raises and spreads the train into a big, shimmering fan covered in "eyes."
Why do they show off?
Fanning is mostly about impressing the peahens. A peacock will spread his train, turn slowly to show it off from every angle and even shake it so the feathers shimmer and rustle. It's quite the performance. Sometimes they'll fan out even when there's no peahen nearby, which makes for some lucky photos.
Where did all the feathers go?
Peacocks molt, or lose, their long train feathers once a year, usually in late summer after breeding season. If you visit around this time of year and spot a peacock looking a little less dramatic than usual, that's why. The good news? The train grows back, bigger and brighter, in time for next season.
More peacock facts
- They're loud: Peacocks have a loud, high call you can hear from far away. Once you hear it, you'll never forget it.
- They can fly: Despite all those feathers, peafowl can fly, and they like to roost up high.
- The color is a trick of the light: Peacock feathers get their shimmer from tiny structures that reflect light, which is why the colors seem to change as the bird moves.
- Peahens are pretty, too: They're more mottled brown and gray, with a lovely green shimmer on the neck.
- Young males take time: It takes a few years for a young peacock to grow his full, showy train.
Peacock manners
- Give them space: Peafowl are birds, and they startle easily.
- No chasing: The best fan displays happen when they feel calm.
- Please don't pull feathers: Admire them with your eyes and your camera.
- Be patient: If you're hoping to see a fan, quiet and calm are your best bet.
Catch the show
Our peacocks are just one part of the fun, with more than 130 animals across 14 species to meet. Check our website for current tours, and keep your camera ready. You never know when someone will decide it's showtime.
