Peacock vs. Turkey: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
A peacock is a large, colorful bird known for its iridescent tail feathers, while a turkey is a large bird, often domesticated for its meat, with a distinctive fleshy wattle.
Key Differences
Peacocks are known for their vibrant plumage, especially the males, which display a spectacular array of colorful tail feathers. Turkeys are large birds, less colorful than peacocks, with a more subdued feathering, often in shades of brown and black.
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The male peacock's tail feathers, which can be spread into a fan-like display, are a courtship tool to attract females. Turkeys, both male and female, have a fleshy wattle on their necks, which changes color as part of their mating display.
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Peacocks are native to Asia and are part of the pheasant family. Turkeys are native to North America and are a popular domesticated bird, especially in the United States.
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The call of a peacock is loud and distinctive, often described as a form of territorial communication. The turkey's gobble, a unique sound made primarily by males, is a call used during mating seasons to attract females.
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Peacocks are often kept for ornamental purposes in gardens and parks. Turkeys are widely raised for their meat, making them a staple in various cuisines, particularly in North America.
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Comparison Chart
Appearance
Brightly colored plumage, especially in males
Less colorful, with brown and black feathers
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Tail Feathers
Long, iridescent, fan-like display
Shorter, not used for display
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Purpose
Ornamental, symbolic in many cultures
Primarily raised for meat consumption
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Peacock and Turkey Definitions
Peacock
A male bird of the species Pavo, known for its colorful plumage.
The peacock spread its tail in a stunning display.
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Turkey
A bird known for its distinctive gobble and fleshy wattle.
The turkey gobbled loudly in the morning.
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Peacock
A term often used to describe a vain or showy individual, likened to the bird.
He strutted around like a peacock, drawing attention to himself.
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Turkey
A large bird native to North America, often domesticated for its meat.
They raised turkeys on their farm for Thanksgiving.
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Peacock
A symbol of beauty and pride in various cultures.
The peacock motif is prevalent in Indian art.
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Turkey
A term used colloquially to refer to something unsuccessful or foolish.
That movie was a complete turkey, critically and commercially.
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Peacock
An ornamental bird native to Asia, famous for its tail feathers.
The garden was home to several beautiful peacocks.
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Turkey
A popular choice for festive meals, especially in the United States.
Turkey is a traditional dish for Christmas dinner.
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Peacock
A large, colorful bird, typically referring to the male of the species.
A peacock's feathers shimmered in the sunlight.
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Turkey
A large North American bird (Meleagris gallopavo) that has brownish plumage and a bare wattled head and neck and is widely domesticated for food.
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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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Turkey
A related bird (Meleagris ocellata syn. Agriocharis ocellata) of Mexico and Central America, brilliantly colored and having eyelike spots on its tail.
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Peacock
A male peafowl, especially Pavo cristatus, notable for its brilliant iridescently ocellated tail.
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Turkey
(countable) A bird in the genus Meleagris with a fan-shaped tail and wattled neck, especially the wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo, now domesticated).
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Peacock
(entomology) Any of various Asian species of papilionid butterflies of the genus Papilio.
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Turkey
(uncountable) The flesh or meat of this bird eaten as food.
All week after Thanksgiving, I had turkey sandwiches for lunch.
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Turkey
(countable) With a distinguishing word: a bird resembling the Meleagris gallopavo (for example, the brush turkey or bush turkey (Alectura lathami), and the water turkey (Anhinga anhinga)).
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Peacock
(intransitive) To engage in peacocking, ostentatious dress or behaviour to impress women.
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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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Turkey
A patient feigning symptoms; a person faking illness or injury; a malingerer.
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Peacock
In common usage, the species in general or collectively; a peafowl.
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Turkey
A pack carried by a lumberman; a bindle; also, a large travel bag, a suitcase.
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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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Turkey
A foolish or inept person.
The turkey cut in front of me and then berated me for running into him.
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Turkey
Any large American gallinaceous bird belonging to the genus Meleagris, especially the North American wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo), and the domestic turkey, which was probably derived from the Mexican wild turkey, but had been domesticated by the Indians long before the discovery of America.
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Turkey
Large gallinaceous bird with fan-shaped tail; widely domesticated for food
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Turkey
A Eurasian republic in Asia Minor and the Balkans; achieved independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1923
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Turkey
A person who does something thoughtless or annoying;
Some joker is blocking the driveway
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Turkey
An event that fails badly or is totally ineffectual;
The first experiment was a real turkey
The meeting was a dud as far as new business was concerned
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Turkey
A bird with cultural significance in various Native American tribes.
The turkey is revered in some tribal folklore as a symbol of abundance.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
What is the lifespan of a peacock?
Peacocks typically live for about 15-20 years.
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Are peacocks found in the wild?
Yes, peacocks are found in the wild, primarily in South Asia.
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Do peacocks fly?
Yes, peacocks can fly for short distances despite their large size and ornate plumage.
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Is turkey meat healthy?
Turkey meat is lean and high in protein, making it a healthy choice.
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What are baby turkeys called?
Baby turkeys are called "poults" or "turkey chicks."
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Why are turkeys commonly associated with Thanksgiving in the United States?
Turkeys have been a traditional part of Thanksgiving feasts in the United States since the 17th century.
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Can peacocks fly?
Yes, peacocks can fly but are not known for long-distance flights.
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What do turkeys eat?
Turkeys are omnivores and eat a varied diet including seeds, insects, and plants.
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What do peacocks eat?
Peacocks are omnivores, and their diet includes seeds, insects, small animals, and plant matter.
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Are peacocks a symbol of anything?
In various cultures, peacocks are symbols of beauty, pride, and immortality.
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Can peacock feathers be legally owned and used in decorations?
The possession and use of peacock feathers may be subject to legal regulations depending on the location and circumstances.
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Are there wild and domesticated turkeys?
Yes, there are wild turkeys native to North America and domesticated turkeys bred for food.
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Can turkeys fly?
Wild turkeys are capable of short flights, while domesticated turkeys are generally too heavy to fly.
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Are there different species of turkeys?
Yes, there are several species of turkeys, with the North American wild turkey being one of the most well-known.
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Do peacocks make distinctive sounds?
Yes, peacocks make loud calls and screams, especially during their mating rituals.
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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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