Here is what you may not know about this beautiful bird.

Peacocks are majestic with their iridescent colours and a huge tail. Apart from their beauty, there are many more interesting things about them. Here are some interesting things you may not know about these beautiful birds.

Males are the ones with long and beautiful feathers

Just like other bird species, it is the male peacocks that have that gorgeous colour with their decorative tail feathers. Also, the collective term for these birds is known as “peafowl.” The males are known as “peacocks” and the females are referred to as “peahens.” Their babies are called “peachicks.” A group of the birds are also known as an “ostentation,” or a “muster."

It takes three years for peacocks to grow their tail feathers

Male and female peachicks look identical when they hatch. They tend to look alike for the first few months of their lives. The males only tend to start to develop their colour when they are around three months old. It is only around three years old when they fully mature when they display their gorgeous tails.

Peacock tail feathers shed regularly

You may not know this but peacocks naturally shed their feathers every year. This happens just after mating season. Humans are fascinated when peacocks fan out their dramatic tails. However, it is not just for show. The females judge the fitness of the males through this visual display. Some researchers speculate females find the male feathers appealing because they look like blueberries. Other researchers feel the colourful display can help protect them from predators.

All-white peafowl exist

All-white peacocks exist due to selective breeding. These birds are often mistaken for being albino. However, it is because of a genetic mutation that is known as leucism, which causes the lack of pigments.

Peacocks can fly

This may be surprising, but peacocks can fly. Their tail feathers are long and heavy. However, peacocks can fly short distances. They tend to fly when they want to escape from predators or to a nest.

Peacocks are clever

These birds are very clever, according to researchers. Researchers discovered that the birds can “fake” their call to attract more females.  Their feathers are covered in tiny crystal-like structures, which reflect different wavelengths of light. Interestingly, hummingbirds and shimmering butterflies tend to have a similar visual effect on their wings.