HomeArt of LivingPeacocks, they can Fly?

Peacocks, they can Fly?

 

Peacocks look almost normal while walking on the ground, trailing their impressive feathers behind them. In fact, if they weren’t moving, you might mistake them for any other bird, poised to leap into flight if you got any closer. However, in the case of peacocks, given their nearly 6-foot train of feathers and penchant for the ground… can they fly?

Peacocks In Flight
The concept isn’t so strange, after all, since ostriches, emus, penguins, moas, cassowaries and numerous other birds are unable to take to the skies. In many of those cases, natural selection decided that other attributes were more vital to survival and reproduction, eventually leaving the creatures without the ability to fly.
If you have been lucky enough to see a peacock leap from the ground and flap its way into a branch, you may have noticed that they aren’t especially graceful in the act; the entire process looks much clunkier than it does in other birds.

 

 

Given how apparently vulnerable these birds are, not to mention their brightly colored tails making it difficult for them to blend in, why haven’t peacocks been completely wiped out by now? Are their massive tails to blame for their struggles to get airborne?
Peacocks On The Ground
Peacocks are a member of the pheasant family, meaning that they are also closely related to turkey, grouse and partridges. If you’re up to date on your bird knowledge, you know that these birds are not known to be exceptional flyers either. They are often referred to as “ground birds” and have adapted to a life generally spent out of the air.

In the case of such birds, the wings that are typically evolved for flight will become more rounded, rather than streamlined and pointed. These birds are also quite large, and can hold a good amount of body weight, posing an additional obstacle to easy flight.

Most of the food that pheasants consume can be found on the ground, so instead of flying and diving or hunting from the air, these birds adapted the ability to move quickly and hunt at the same level. These birds are often natively found in forested or wooded areas, where they may be closed in with dense foliage.

The ability to fly isn’t very helpful in evading predators when you also have to dodge branches to make an escape. Their large size also makes them less maneuverable in the air.

So What About That Tail?
It’s hard to ignore a peacock’s tail, but remember that the peahens (females) of the species don’t have such massive tails, because they are not competing for the males’ attention; rather, the males are competing for theirs. As is true in many different species around the world, the males are the sex that put on grand mating displays to allure a potential mate.

The peacock tail is a remarkable example of runaway sexual selection, in which a trait that is deemed notable for a good mate is selected for over and over again, causing a certain evolutionary element of a species to continue out of control. The outlandishly large tail feathers of male peacocks are not advantageous for survival, but they are considered advantageous for reproduction, and thus the survival of their genes. This continues on in subsequent generations, thus pushing an entire species in a given physiological direction.
Some other classic examples of runaway sexual selection include certain species of warblers who have incredibly complex and lengthy mating calls, lasting for minutes or even hours, as they will more likely be chosen by a mate if their song is longest. Other species of birds, such as African widowbirds, also boast ridiculously long tails that attract potential mates.

- A word from our sponsors -

spot_img

Most Popular

More from Author

Exploring the Legacy of Captain James Cook in ‘The Wide Wide Sea’

Introduction to Captain James Cook's Final Voyage In Hampton Sides' captivating book,...

Zhu Lin: The Queen of Drama Revealed in New Book

Introduction to Zhu Lin's Life A new book titled Zhu Lin, the Queen...

The National Book Critics Circle Awards: A Milestone with the First-Ever Nonfiction Longlist

The NBCC Celebrates 50 Years The National Book Critics Circle (NBCC) is...

National Book Critics Circle Awards: Celebrating the First-Ever Autobiography Longlist

Introduction to the National Book Critics Circle Awards The National Book Critics...

- A word from our sponsors -

spot_img

Read Now

Exploring the Idiosyncratic Characters in Flannery O’Connor’s Stories

Introduction to Flannery O'Connor's Unique Narratives Flannery O'Connor, a notable Southern writer, weaves expansive short stories featuring characters whose idiosyncratic behaviors reflect a deep sense of otherness. Her talent lies in creating memorable tales that not only entertain but also provoke thought. Among her works, the most recognized...

Exploring Themes of Family and Femininity in Tara Isabel Zambrano’s ‘Ruined a Little When We Are Born’

Introduction to Zambrano’s Work Tara Isabel Zambrano’s collection, Ruined a Little When We Are Born, is a compelling compendium of human experiences, blending elements of flash fiction and traditional storytelling. This slim volume encompasses over three dozen stories that resonate deeply with readers. Zambrano navigates themes of family, femininity,...

Hwang Seok-Yeong: A Testament to Youthful Vigor in Literature

The Ageless Spirit of Hwang Seok-Yeong Veteran South Korean novelist Hwang Seok-Yeong has captured the hearts of readers both young and old with his profound storytelling that resonates deeply with modern stresses. Despite being in his 70s when he authored his acclaimed novel, At Dusk, Hwang’s writing reflects...

Barack Obama’s 2024 Annual Reading List: A Journey Through Literature

Introduction to Obama's Reading List On December 20, former President Barack Obama shared his 2024 annual reading list on Instagram. This year’s selection includes ten thought-provoking titles, comprising both fiction and non-fiction. Topics range from love and art to economic growth and mental health issues, showcasing the breadth...

Unveiling Ronald Reagan: A Definitive Biography by Max Boot

Introduction to 'Reagan: His Life and Legend' In 2024, Max Boot's monumental biography, 'Reagan: His Life and Legend,' has emerged as an instant New York Times bestseller, capturing the attention of literary critics across the nation. This compelling work has not only earned a spot among the 50...

Exploring the Legacy of Captain James Cook in ‘The Wide Wide Sea’

Introduction to Captain James Cook's Final Voyage In Hampton Sides' captivating book, 'The Wide Wide Sea,' readers are immersed in the enthralling account of Captain James Cook's third and final voyage. This journey, which culminated in Cook's tragic death in Hawaii, serves as a reminder of the complex...

Zhu Lin: The Queen of Drama Revealed in New Book

Introduction to Zhu Lin's Life A new book titled Zhu Lin, the Queen of Drama has been launched, narrating the inspiring journey of a remarkable figure in Chinese theater. Authored by Zhao Hongfan, this work intricately weaves the life of Zhu Lin, often revered as the "queen of Chinese drama,"...

The National Book Critics Circle Awards: A Milestone with the First-Ever Nonfiction Longlist

The NBCC Celebrates 50 Years The National Book Critics Circle (NBCC) is marking a significant occasion with the announcement of its first-ever longlist for the nonfiction genre, celebrating its 50th anniversary. The longlist, which was released on December 18, highlights the organization's commitment to honoring exceptional writing in...

National Book Critics Circle Awards: Celebrating the First-Ever Autobiography Longlist

Introduction to the National Book Critics Circle Awards The National Book Critics Circle (NBCC) Awards, renowned for their distinction in literary recognition, have embarked on a significant milestone for 2024. In honor of their 50th anniversary, the NBCC has announced its inaugural longlist for the category of autobiography,...

Exploring the National Book Critics Circle Awards: A First-Ever Biography Longlist

Introduction to the NBCC Awards The National Book Critics Circle (NBCC) Awards are a prestigious event in the literary world, celebrating outstanding writing and fostering a national conversation about literature. This year marks a significant milestone as the NBCC has announced its first-ever longlist for the genre of...

British Library Expands Chinese Web Novels Collection

Introduction of New Titles On November 21, the British Library took a significant step in enhancing its collections by adding ten printed copies of popular Chinese web novels, which were originally published online. Among the notable titles included are "Lord of the Mysteries," "Soul Land," and "Joy of...

Shanghai Online Literature Week: A Milestone for Global Literary Exchange

Introduction to Shanghai Online Literature Week The third Shanghai International Online Literature Week, held from December 16 to 18, showcased significant advancements in the online literature genre. The event brought together writers and industry professionals from 16 countries, marking a pivotal moment for the dissemination of Chinese online...