The term "peacock" refers to two species of birds in the genus Peafowl within the family Phasianidae, namely the green peacock and the blue peacock. These two species are native to Asia.
Additionally, two other birds belonging to the pheasant family also have the term "peafowl" in their names: the green peafowl, which can be found in the West-Central Democratic Republic of Congo in Africa, and the blue peafowl, whose feathers are of equal length with feather branches only at the end and a bare feather shaft at the base, forming a loose and fan-shaped display.
The green peacock has large yellow skin on its cheeks. During the breeding season, the yellow area becomes larger and more vibrant. Conversely, in the non-breeding season, the yellow area becomes smaller and less prominent, although it does not disappear altogether.
On the other hand, blue peacocks have white skin on their cheeks. In addition to the green and blue color, the green peafowl's neck has scaly feathers resembling dragon scales, hence the bird's nickname, the dragon bird. Meanwhile, the blue peafowl has silky feathers.
The Congo peafowl is a genus of birds with only one species found in tropical Africa. This species belongs to the peafowl family and genus and is occasionally counted as a "peacock." The difference between male and female peafowl is that males only have a tail screen during the breeding season.
After the season, the tail screen fades away, and the color of the entire body is not as vibrant as before. The tail screen is not made up of tail feathers, although it is a display of modified feathers. The male and female blue peacock individuals have notably different feather colors.
Female blue peacocks have gray heads and faces, while male and female green peafowl individuals have equally bright feather colors with little to no difference.
Peafowls have had significant symbolic meaning throughout history. In ancient Greece, the peacock was a symbol of spring and sunrise, representing both death and the rebirth of the soul and creative power.
In Western cultures, the peacock is known as the warrior of snakes, and its bright feather colors represent its ability to turn snake venom into a seven-colored rainbow in the sky.
In the symbolic system of alchemy, the colorful feathers of the peacock represent the transformation of raw metal into gold or the failed refinement of flotsam instead of gold.
The peacock is also the sacred bird of Hera, the goddess of marriage and fertility, and the third queen of heaven in ancient Greek mythology. Hera shared power with Zeus as a co-ruler, sister, and seventh wife of Zeus.
She possesses the honorable and holy aspects of the gods, as well as a strong sense of jealousy and revenge.
Artificially bred peacocks are edible, and albino species are called White peacocks, which are completely white. The Congo peacock was only discovered in 1936 and measures 70 cm long. Males have black bodies and white tufted feathers on the top of their heads, while females have green and brown feathers.
Peacocks are rare birds, and the primary species are the green and blue peacocks, as well as the mutant white peacocks. The blue peacock is primarily the subject of artificial breeding and is known for its high protein and low-fat content. As such, peacock breeding has become a popular new breeding project.
The term "peacock" refers to two species of birds in the genus Peafowl. These birds have a fascinating history and significant symbolic meaning in different cultures.
