Last Updated on October 24, 2023 by Pauline G. Carter
We talk about a litter of puppies, a school of dolphins, and a gaggle of geese, but what is a group of peacocks called? The correct term for a group of peacocks is a muster. The “u” is pronounced the same way as that in dust and bust.
Please keep reading to learn more about peacocks, their groupings, names, and diet.
What are Peacocks?
Peacocks are stunning birds with bright feathers and long sweeping tails. Their beautiful plumage makes them a definite showstopper anytime, any day. However, for such showstoppers, they have hideous feet!
The term peacock is not a correct way to refer to both sexes of this bird. Peacock refers more to the male species, and peahen is the correct term for female peafowls. Yes, peafowl is the gender-neutral right name for these birds. Let’s learn more about peacocks.
What Do You Call a Group of Peacocks?
Want to learn about what a group of peacocks is called? Well, we can tell you that they go by several collective names. Let’s try to solve the mystery of what a team of peacocks is called! Below are three popular terms that refer to a group of peacocks.
Ostentation of Peacocks
The word Ostendo is of Latin origin, and it means to view or show. Of course, this term suits the peacock to the tee because they love to display their beautiful feathers. Their parade is graceful and features impressive tail feathers that are easily a showstopper.
Seeing as peacocks do not stay in large groups, you can refer to a group of peacocks as ostentation of peacocks.
Muster of Peacocks
Another name for a group of peacocks is a muster of peacocks. For clarity, the word muster means a group of one male and up to five female peacocks. That brings us to another peculiar character of peacocks – a group with only one male. The male peafowl usually keeps to himself and only fraternizes in a bid to find a mate.
Pride of Peacocks
A group of peacocks or peafowls is also known as pride or party. Weird, right? The term pride, in this case, is used as a simile for the proud male peacock. The colorful displays of their tails and feathers have earned them a place as a symbol of vanity and pride.
Interesting Fact: Peafowls are also referred to as dancing birds owing to their dancing activities as they try to attract a mate.
What Do You Call a Group of Baby Peacocks?
Baby peacocks, also known as peachicks, are a sight to behold. A group of these baby peacocks is called peachicks. You can see their impressive displays and behaviors in the zoo or the wild.
Differences Between Peacocks and Peafowls
Now that you know the correct term for each sex let’s delve into the differences between each. You will find some easy markers below.
Color
The primary way to differentiate between male and female peafowls is their color. First, peacocks have more vivid coloring than peahens; their feathers are bright blue and green. These bright hues help them find a peahen to mate with.
On the other hand, Peahens have duller colorations of brown and dark gray. Their pale colors help them blend in with their environment and avoid predators.
Behavior
Peahens are more social and maternal than peacocks. They help build nests and tend to their young. However, they can get territorial when an intruder tries to get too close to their eggs or young.
On the other hand, Peacocks spend most of their time trying to attract the peahen. It will fan out its tails and create an impressive display during courtship. They are also less social than peahens and spend most of their time isolated.
Size
Peacocks are larger compared to peahen. Typically, they are at least a foot longer than mature peahens and weigh considerably more. The average peacock weighs around 9-13 pounds, while peahens weigh 6-9 pounds.
Tail
Peacocks have more elaborate tail feathers than peahens. The difference in their tail length can be as huge as 60 inches. So yes, you can tell the sex of peafowls by merely looking at their tail feathers. As the peacock’s body, the peacock’s tail feather is vibrant.
Head and Neck
The peafowl’s neck also gives away its sex. While both sexes have long necks, peahens have dull neck feathers of green or blue. On the other hand, Peacocks have neck feathers that are bright hues of blue and look precisely like fur.
You will find that peacocks have a distinct white spot on top and beneath their eyes that can be spotted from miles off. On the other hand, Peahens have eye markings that blend in with the skin and are difficult to spot.
Crest
If you see a peafowl with long blue feathers sticking up from its head, it is a peacock. On the other hand, Peahens have brown feathers in clusters around their head.
Legs and Spurs
Another unique thing about peafowls is that they have spurs sticking out the back of their legs. On close inspection, you will find slight differences in their spurs. Peacocks have tougher, pointier spurs that come in handy in a fight. On the other hand, Peahens have less sharp spurs, so they are at a slight disadvantage in defending themselves.
Can I Keep a Pet Peacock?
Yes, peacocks are domesticated birds; thus, you can keep them in your backyard. However, they are costly to raise and require ample breeding space. If you decide to go ahead and raise peacocks, we advise you to start with the young ones.
You can start the peachicks off with healthy food like non-medicated starter food. The next step is to get them a comfortable environment.
Conclusion
There are several names that a group of peacocks can be called. One of these is a muster of peacocks; another is an ostentation of peacocks. Read this article to find the third term for a group of peacocks.