technically speaking: according to the rules or conventions
neutral: (gender) neither male nor female
strut: to walk around proudly
plumage: feathers
pigment: the natural colouring in plants or animals
delicacy: an expensive or rare treat to eat
polygamous: keeps many mates
monogamous: keeps only one mate
Peacocks Are Always Male
The word “peacock” is commonly used to describe male and female birds. Technically speaking, only males are “peacocks”. A female is a “peahen”. The neutral term for these birds is “peafowl”. The male is the pheasant with the colourful train. He struts around with his beautiful plumage to attract females. This is where the expression “proud as a peacock” comes from. The peacock’s feathers appear different colours depending on the angle of the light. Have you ever seen a white peacock or peahen? White peafowl are missing a pigment. They are sometimes called albino peacocks. In the wild, peacocks are polygamous. They typically keep a harem of about 2-5 females. Wild peafowl like to gather in groups called “parties”. In captivity, peacocks are often monogamous. They can be kept as pets, though the annoying sound they make during mating season is irritating to home dwellers and neighbours.
