Peacock vs. Peahen: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on January 3, 2024
Peacocks are male peafowl with colorful, iridescent tails; peahens are females with muted colors and no elaborate tail.
Key Differences
Peacocks are renowned for their striking, colorful plumage and large, fan-like tails, which they use in courtship displays. Conversely, peahens are less flamboyant, with brown and green feathers and lack the spectacular tail feathers of their male counterparts.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 03, 2024
In terms of behavior, peacocks are more conspicuous and often engage in showy displays to attract peahens. Peahens, on the other hand, are more reserved and selective, often observing the peacocks' displays before choosing a mate.
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Jan 03, 2024
Vocally, peacocks are known for their loud calls, which can be heard over long distances. Peahens are comparatively quieter, with more subdued vocalizations primarily used for communication with their chicks or signaling danger.
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Jan 03, 2024
Peacocks play a minimal role in parenting, focusing mainly on attracting mates. Peahens, in contrast, are responsible for nesting, incubating eggs, and caring for the young.
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Jan 03, 2024
In terms of size, peacocks are generally larger and heavier than peahens, with their long tail feathers contributing significantly to their overall length and appearance.
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Jan 03, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Word Origin
Derived from Middle English 'pecock'
Derived from Middle English 'pehen'
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Jan 03, 2024
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Peacock and Peahen Definitions
Peacock
An emblem of beauty and natural wonder.
The garden's centerpiece was a majestic peacock, a true work of art.
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Dec 20, 2023
Peahen
A female peafowl with muted plumage.
The peahen walked gracefully, her understated feathers blending with the forest floor.
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Dec 20, 2023
Peacock
A large, colorful bird of the pheasant family, known for its iridescent tail.
The peacock spread its magnificent tail, displaying an array of vibrant colors.
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Dec 20, 2023
Peahen
The less colorful counterpart of the male peacock.
While the peacock dazzled with colors, the peahen watched quietly.
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Dec 20, 2023
Peacock
A symbol of vanity or pride.
He strutted around like a peacock, showing off his new suit.
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Peahen
A nurturing bird, responsible for egg incubation.
The peahen carefully tended to her nest, ensuring the safety of her eggs.
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Peacock
A term used metaphorically to describe ostentatious behavior.
At the party, he was peacocking in front of the guests.
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Dec 20, 2023
Peahen
A symbol of maternal care and protection.
Like a peahen with her chicks, she watched over her students with great care.
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Dec 20, 2023
Peacock
A male peafowl, distinguished by its elaborate tail.
The peacock's tail fanned out in a spectacular courtship display.
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Dec 20, 2023
Peahen
An example of natural camouflage in birds.
The peahen's plumage allowed her to remain almost invisible among the underbrush.
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Dec 20, 2023
Peacock
A male peafowl, distinguished by its crested head, brilliant blue or green plumage, and long modified back feathers that are marked with iridescent eyelike spots and that can be spread in a fanlike form.
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Dec 13, 2023
Peacock
A male peafowl, especially Pavo cristatus, notable for its brilliant iridescently ocellated tail.
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Peacock
(entomology) Any of various Asian species of papilionid butterflies of the genus Papilio.
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Peacock
(intransitive) To engage in peacocking, ostentatious dress or behaviour to impress women.
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Dec 13, 2023
Peacock
The male of any pheasant of the genus Pavo, of which at least two species are known, native of Southern Asia and the East Indies.
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Dec 13, 2023
Peacock
In common usage, the species in general or collectively; a peafowl.
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Peacock
European butterfly having reddish-brown wings each marked with a purple eyespot
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Peacock
Male peafowl; having a crested head and very large fanlike tail marked with iridescent eyes or spots
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Dec 13, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Do peahens participate in raising the chicks?
Yes, peahens are primarily responsible for nesting, incubating eggs, and caring for the chicks.
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Jan 03, 2024
What is a peacock?
A peacock is a male peafowl, known for its colorful and large tail feathers.
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Jan 03, 2024
Can peahens display their tail like peacocks?
No, peahens do not have the large, fan-like tail that peacocks do.
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Jan 03, 2024
How do peacocks attract peahens?
Peacocks attract peahens by displaying their colorful tails and performing various courtship dances.
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Jan 03, 2024
What sound does a peacock make?
Peacocks are known for their loud, distinctive calls.
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Jan 03, 2024
Do peacocks and peahens have different feeding habits?
Their feeding habits are generally similar, consisting of seeds, insects, and small creatures.
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Jan 03, 2024
Can peahens fly?
Yes, peahens can fly short distances, mainly to escape predators or reach roosting spots.
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Jan 03, 2024
What is a peahen?
A peahen is a female peafowl with more muted colors and no large tail.
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Jan 03, 2024
Why do peacocks have colorful tails?
Peacocks have colorful tails primarily for mating displays to attract peahens.
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Jan 03, 2024
Are peacocks solitary birds?
Peacocks can be both solitary and social, often seen in groups known as "parties."
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Jan 03, 2024
Do peahens have any courtship displays?
Peahens do not have elaborate courtship displays like peacocks; they are more passive in the mating process.
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Jan 03, 2024
Are peacocks larger than peahens?
Generally, peacocks are larger and heavier than peahens, especially due to their tail feathers.
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Jan 03, 2024
How can you differentiate a young peacock from a peahen?
Young peacocks and peahens are difficult to differentiate until the males start developing their colorful tails.
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Jan 03, 2024
Are peafowl endangered?
Some species of peafowl are considered vulnerable or endangered, but others, like the Indian peafowl, are not.
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Jan 03, 2024
What is the habitat of peafowl?
Peafowl are native to South Asia and thrive in forest, farmland, and sometimes urban areas.
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Jan 03, 2024
How do peahens choose their mates?
Peahens often choose mates based on the size, color, and quality of the peacocks' tail displays.
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Jan 03, 2024
What colors are peahens?
Peahens are mostly brown and green, with much less vibrant colors than peacocks.
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Jan 03, 2024
What is the lifespan of a peacock and a peahen?
Both peacocks and peahens typically live for about 15-20 years.
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Jan 03, 2024
Are peacocks aggressive?
Peacocks can be territorial and sometimes aggressive, especially during mating season.
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Jan 03, 2024
Do peacocks play any role in parenting?
Peacocks do not usually participate in nurturing the chicks.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 03, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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