The Indian peafowl’s scientifically-proven method to getting attention

Yala National Park

Fun Facts

Method 1 – microscopic, crystal-like structures that reflect different wavelengths of light (depending on how they’re spaced), resulting in feathers of bright fluorescent colours to bedazzle any mate! However, if the peahen is too far to notice (long-distance relationships rarely work), there are special sensors in her crest allowing her to feel the vibrations of mates at a distance (talk about being made for each other). Thus, Method 2 involves the peacock to fan his tail, shaking it at a rate of 26 times per second, and in turn creating a pressure-wave that literally rattles the female's head for attention!

Did you know?

Even in mythology, the Indian peafowl has grabbed the attention from Hindus to Greeks! In Hinduism, the peacock is the mount of the God of War, Lord Kartikeya. During the war, Karthikeya split the demon king in half, and converted the two halves into a peacock serving as his mount, and a rooster adorning his flag. In Greek Mythology, the peacock was believed to have sprung from the blood of Argus Panoptes, the hundred-eyed giant and servant to Hera. To honour his death, Hera had his hundred eyes preserved forever in the peacock's tail.

Whereabouts

In Sri Lanka, Indian peafowls can be found in the jungles of Eastern, Northern and Southern Provinces. If you’re driving along the Hambantota district, you can even see them strolling down the streets!