The Misunderstood Identity of Peacocks

People often call these birds peacocks, but that name technically only applies to the males. The females are actually called peahens, and the correct group name for both is simply peafowl.

You might be surprised to learn that the flashy display we all recognize is purely a male trait. Males use their massive, colorful tail fans to attract mates and intimidate rivals. Peahens have much more muted brown or gray feathers, which helps them stay camouflaged while nesting. It is a classic example of sexual dimorphism where the sexes look like entirely different species.