What you think Are red peacock real or fake? Is they really exist? Peacocks are pretty common birds, especially if you’ve visited South Asia and gone bird watching or on a safari. You’ve likely spotted one in the wild or at least in a zoo.
During my time in Sri Lanka, I saw plenty of peacocks. But aren’t they usually blue or green? I’ve never come across any other colors. Lately, I’ve been hearing about red peacocks and wondered if they’re actually a thing. Here’s what I discovered.
“Are red peacocks actually a thing?” Nope, there’s no evidence of red peacocks being real. Even though there are 15 different color variations of peacocks out there, red isn’t one of them.
But then someone might argue, “But I’ve seen red peacock feathers for sale on Amazon! And there’s a video of a red peacock on YouTube.” What’s up with that?
Do Red Peacocks Really Exist? Watch the Video
Those videos may seem legit, but they’re actually made using color filters in video editing software. It’s pretty easy to whip up your own peacock video in any color you fancy. In fact, I created the main image for this post using the same technique.
As for those red peacock feathers you see online or in craft shops? They’re usually just regular blue or green feathers that have been dyed or bleached to look different. So, they’re not solid evidence that red peacocks exist. For trustworthy info, it’s best to check reliable sources like the United Peafowl Organization.
Sure, there’s no proof of red peacocks yet, but who knows? With scientists and researchers constantly discovering new species and variations, and breeders experimenting with mutations, it’s not totally out of the realm of possibility!
Color Pigments & Genetics
To explore the idea of red peacocks, let’s delve into how color works in peacock feathers.
The stunning colors you see in peacock feathers come from special pigments and structural features that create that shimmering effect.
Usually, peacocks flaunt shades of blues and greens, thanks to pigments like carotenoids and melanin, along with microscopic structures that play with light.
But the chance of spotting a red peacock depends on finding unique pigments like astaxanthin or canthaxanthin, and specific genetic quirks that let these pigments shine through in their feathers.
While it’s quite rare, thanks to genetics and ongoing research, the idea of a red peacock isn’t entirely far-fetched in the world of bird studies and genetic exploration.
And hey, if you’re intrigued by different-colored peacocks, let’s keep the conversation going!
How Many Peacock Species Are There?
The common name for these birds is peafowl, regardless of gender. Males are known as peacocks, females as peahens, and the little ones are called peachicks.
Peacocks tend to steal the spotlight with their elaborate tails, also known as “trains,” stretching about 5-6 feet when fully grown. Despite their size, they can still take to the skies.
The Indian peafowl is the most well-known, but there are two other unique species: the green peafowl and the Congo peafowl.
Indian Peafowl (Pavo cristatus)
The Indian Peafowl, also known as the Blue Peafowl or Common Peafowl, hails from the Indian subcontinent, sporting that famous iridescent blue hue.
Now, peahens have a different color scheme compared to peacocks. Their necks shimmer with iridescent green, while their plumage tends towards brown. Brown heads and white cheeks are their signature features. And here’s the key difference: peahens don’t sport those majestic trains like the peacocks do.
Watching peacocks strut their stuff during courtship is quite the spectacle. They lift those long trains and quiver in an impressive display to catch the attention of their potential mates.
Peafowls aren’t picky eaters. They chow down on grains, seeds, fruits, veggies, and even insects, small reptiles, and rodents. While you might spot them in various countries now, their roots lie in the lowlands of India and Sri Lanka. Plus, they hold the honor of being India’s national bird.
Green Peafowl (Pavo muticus)
Green peafowls, also known as Indonesian Peafowls, hold the title of Myanmar’s national bird. They’re native to Southeast Asia and are found in tropical and subtropical forests, occasionally venturing into grasslands, savannas, scrub, and edges of farmland.
Unlike Indian peafowls, both male and female green peafowls share a similar appearance. They sport iridescent green necks and chests. The male has a long train, while the female’s train is shorter, barely covering the tail. During the non-breeding season, the male sheds its train, making it harder to distinguish from the female.
Green peafowls consist of three similar subspecies: Java peafowl, Indo-Chinese peafowl, and Burmese peafowl. Sadly, they’ve been classified as endangered on the IUCN Red List since 2009 due to hunting and habitat loss, leading to a decline in their population.
Congo Peafowl (Afropavo congensis)
Congo peafowls hail from Africa, particularly the Congo Basin, also known as African peafowls.
Compared to their counterparts, Congo peafowls are a bit different. While they’re similarly large, they lack the flashy appearance seen in the other species. Unlike Asian peafowls, they don’t sport the long trailing feathers.
Congo peacocks stand out with their red throat skin and white crest. Their upper bodies shimmer in iridescent blue, with feathers displaying a mix of green, blue, and violet hues. Meanwhile, Congo peahens boast brown feathers, with black lower bodies speckled in green.
Like their peers, Congo peafowls have an omnivorous diet, enjoying fruits and insects. They primarily inhabit the lowland forests of Congo. However, they’re a rare sight and are classified as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
Different Colors of Peacocks
Peacocks are known for their vibrant feathers, which come in 15 different colors despite there being only three species. These colors arise from natural genetic mutations and selective breeding in the pet trade.
When discussing a peacock’s color, we typically focus on the neck hue, though their plumage boasts a blend of many colors.
Traditionally, peacocks are categorized into two main colors: blue and green, with 13 additional variations recognized as mutations of the Indian peafowl.
The 15 recognized colors include Blue, Green, Purple, Peach, White, Cameo, Charcoal, Opal, Buford bronze, Midnight, Jade, Taupe, Hazel, Indigo, and Sonja’s Violeta.
However, color isn’t the sole distinguishing factor among peacock varieties. Their body patterns, found in five different styles, also contribute to their classification.
With three species, 15 colors, and 5 body patterns, there’s a wide array of peafowl varieties. According to the United Peafowl Organization (UPO), there are currently 225 approved varieties.
White Peacocks (Albino Peacocks)
Among the 15 listed colors, White stands out. While white peacocks can result from selective breeding on farms, they can also occur naturally, although they’re incredibly rare.
Typically dubbed as albino due to their pure white feathers, these birds may not always exhibit the typical traits of albinism, which include red eyes and white skin. Instead, they might be white or pale yellow in color. The accurate term for these white peacocks is Leucism.
Albino peafowls with red eyes and white skin do exist, but this isn’t always the case. Furthermore, if albino peafowls do breed, they can pass on these conditions to their offspring, though such occurrences are exceptionally rare.
Where Can We See Different Color Peacocks?
Among the 15 listed colors, White stands out. While white peacocks can result from selective breeding on farms, they can also occur naturally, although they’re incredibly rare.
Typically dubbed as albino due to their pure white feathers, these birds may not always exhibit the typical traits of albinism, which include red eyes and white skin. Instead, they might be white or pale yellow in color. The accurate term for these white peacocks is Leucism.
Albino peafowls with red eyes and white skin do exist, but this isn’t always the case. Furthermore, if albino peafowls do breed, they can pass on these conditions to their offspring, though such occurrences are exceptionally rare.
Do female peacocks have colorful feathers?
Peahens, like peacocks, boast vibrant colors, yet they often take a backseat due to the peacock’s more striking appearance. This prompts the question: “Are female peafowls as colorful as males?”
To shed light on the similarities and differences, let’s compare peacocks and peahens across three species.
Indian Peafowl:
Peacock: Length ranges from 84 to 96 inches (including train). Blue neck color with metallic blue crown. Fan-shaped crest with black shafts ending in bluish-green webbing.
Peahen: About 37 inches long. Head reddish-brown, lower neck metallic green, breast dark brown with green shine. Crest similar to males but with green edges.
Green Peafowl:
Peacock: Length varies from 72 to 120 inches (including train). Emerald green neck color. Thinner, taller crest with molted upper tail covert.
Peahen: 39 to 45 inches long. Dull green head and body, sometimes mixed with brown. Wider crest than males, with short trains extending beyond the tail.
Congo Peafowl:
Peacock*: Length between 25 to 28 inches. Deep blue mixed with green neck color, red bare skin throat. Two-part crest: long white bristles at the front, short black at the back.
Peahen: 24 to 25 inches long. Chestnut neck color, brown feathers with black lower body adorned with green flecks. Short reddish-brown crest.
While both genders exhibit vibrant colors, peahens lack the prominent feature of the peacock—the long train of upper tail coverts. Though green peahens have a short train, it doesn’t match the peacock’s grandeur. Peahens of other species don’t have a train at all.
Final Thoughts:
Are red peacocks real? Despite videos and images circulating online, there’s no evidence of their existence. Peacocks come in 15 recognized colors: blue, green, purple, peach, white, and more. Blue and green are natural colors for the three peafowl species, while the rest are genetic mutations.
Videos and photos of red peacocks are likely edited with color filtering techniques, not proof of their existence. While colorful peacocks are rare, you might spot them at peacock breeding centers. For birders, Sri Lanka offers a chance to see peafowls in their natural habitat, along with a vibrant tourism experience.
Source Links
https://allbirdspecies.com/are-red-peacock-real-or-fake/
https://avianbirds.com/are-red-peacock-real-or-fake/
Also Read Breathe Better, Live Better: The õygen Breakthrough
Add comment