What is the Difference Between Peacock and Peafowl?

The main difference between peacock and peafowl lies in the gender of the birds. A peacock is a male peafowl, while a peahen is a female peafowl. Both sexes are collectively referred to as peafowl. Here are some key differences between peacocks and peahens:

1. Tail Feathers: Peacocks are known for their colorful and iridescent tail feathers, which they display during the mating process. In contrast, peahens have drab and dull-colored feathers.
2. Size: Peacocks are generally larger than peahens, especially in terms of length, due to the size of their colorful train.
3. Mating: In the mating process, peacocks gather harems of several peahens, each of which will lay three to five eggs.
4. Plumage: While both peacocks and peahens have feathers on their bodies, the plumage of peacocks is more vibrant and eye-catching.

In summary, the primary difference between peacocks and peafowl is the gender of the birds, with peacocks being the males and peafowl being the general term for the species, including both males and females.

Comparative Table: Peacock vs Peafowl

Here is a table highlighting the differences between peacock and peafowl:

Peacocks are the male bird, known for their striking and vibrant colors, while peahens are the female counterparts with more subdued and cryptic plumage. Peacocks perform dances to attract peahens during courtship. All these differences contribute to the unique characteristics of each gender within the peafowl species.