***Charlie Fineran jogs his memory for this week’s Photo of the Week.

I’m trying to figure out what my Photo of the Week article is going to be about and as the ole saying says, ‘Out of the Blue’,  I am remembering I have some Peacock photos I took years ago at Rutherfurd Hall.  Considering these photos were taken June 14, 2011, I am going to say that ole phrase ‘Out of the Blue’ really fits the bill, ALONG WITH, just look at this bird’s coloring!  OK, quickly check my insidewarren.com files – No Peacock article, looks like I have my next Photo of the Week!

My next move is to grab my ‘National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Birds’  figuring I would just go to the index and look under Peacock, I looked and looked again, NOTHING!!  Wonder if there is another name?  Long story short, there is no Peacock or any other simile in my guide book!  Now, I am beginning to remember something about them not being native to this part of the world.  Now I’m on line, Googling Peacock.  My investigations reveal some rather interesting facts.  FIRST, I am assuming the Peacock I observed at Rutherfurd Hall probably had escaped from a farm or bird sanctuary etc.

INTERESTING FACTS

The correct word identifying these birds is ‘Peafowl’.  The word ‘Peacocks’ actually refers to the male bird and those ‘Peacocks’ are best known for their amazing eye-spotted tail feathers or plumage. . The females are called ‘Peahens’ and the baby peafowl is a ‘Peachick’

They are omnivores (eat both plants and animals).  Their main predators are tigers, leopards, mongoose…  (guess their predators validates the statement above that they are not from this part of the world!)  When they sense a danger, they fly and hide in the trees.  Family of ‘Peafowl’ is called ‘bevy’.  They are one of the largest flying birds.

In the wild, male ‘Peacocks’ generally have a harem of 2-5 females.  Peacocks eat plant parts, flower petals, seed heads, insects and other arthropods, reptiles and amphibians.  Alone, they can get heartbroken.  Peacocks have a significant need for companionship and are polygamous by nature. (Hmm, wondering if I should call this title ‘Lonely Peacock at Rutherfurd Hall!”)

QUESTION – Are Peafowl wild birds??  ANSWER – While the peafowl is a wild bird by nature, they have been domesticated in many countries.  The peafowl’s natural habitat is woodland and forest though in the wild they adapt well to different environments.

Peacocks are among the most fascinating and beautiful creatures on earth, but there are so many things we fail to realize about these breathtaking birds. My research notes that there are just three different types of species in the peafowl family.  Two originate in Asia, and the other is of African descent.  The African species is called the Congo peafowl and originated in the Congo Basin.  From Asia, the blue (Indian) peafowl and green peafowl.  These birds first lived within forest and rainforests, which remains their most comfortable and natural habitat.  When domesticated, some will live up to 50 years.  However, in the wild, they generally live up to 20 years.  One of the main differences between peacocks and peahens is their size.  Although they vary in size, males are often as much as twice the size of their female counterparts.  **(Might change the title again – Lonely Male Peacock at Rutherfurd Hall)**  The large colorful ‘tail’ they have become known for is called a “train”. 

A common feature of all peafowl is the bare patches of skin that can be found around the eyes.  This can be seen in male and female birds and also across different species.  The average running speed for peacocks is 10 miles per hour, I am going to say, it is a good thing they can fly to escape predators!  All the species of peafowl have crests atop their heads.  The design and color can vary among the different species and sexes.  Peacocks are not considered an endangered species, however the Congo peafowl has been listed as vulnerable.  The best time to witness the colors of this bird is during Spring, the breeding season, when it is displaying its bright, beautiful feathers!!  ** (Can’t resist, another title change, Lonely Male Peacock looking for a mate at Rutherfurd Hall)** 

During breeding season, the peacock will try to impress the peahen as much as possible.  Apart from displaying his feathers and train, he will also guard his territory and make a loud noise to ward off other males.  Every year, the male peacock will replenish his feathers – no wonder the color always stays so good!  If the feathers of a peacock still weren’t impressive enough, they are covered in tiny crystals, which play a large part in attracting the females.  For more than 2,000 years, peacocks have been kept in captivity around the world either for entertainment purposes or religion.  A peacock has such a bright and dramatic train to attract females who normally choose their mates based on the size, color and quality of the feathers and train.  With a fairly large wingspan around 4.9 feet and its large feathers the peacock is one of the largest flying birds on earth.  However, when peacocks are first born they don’t have tails, and in fact, don’t look very impressive until they are around 3 years old.

The logo of the NBC television network in the USA has been a colorful peacock since 1956.  While a group of any peafowl is called a ‘harem’, a group of females is known as a bevy, a muster, or a party when they are in groups without males.

I am assuming that most of us will not be coming across a peacock in our travels unless it has escaped from its domesticated home (note; one such peacock several years ago roamed a neighborhood in Hackettstown for quite some time near the Musconetcong River).  HOWEVER, they are around and I think we can all agree, they certainly will add to the existing beauty of our Open Spaces!!

Enjoy Your Open Space

Charlie Fineran  

Director Open Space

Allamuchy Township Environmental Commission – Chairman 

Allamuchy Historical Society – President