jmgoyder

We only have one adult peacock who we call King. I bought him and his ‘wife’ from some people who wanted goats instead (I haven’t quite been able to figure that one out but then again I did have my pig phase didn’t I). King spends his days strutting around looking regal, or perched on top of the old dairy roof surveying his kingdom. Our other 15 peacocks are adolescents and they keep their distance, as if in awe.

 When we have visitors, everyone always wants to see King do his fantail thing but he will not be coerced even if I give him a bit of bribery bread.

Inevitably, the moment the visitors leave, and I’m the only human witness, he begins his dance. It starts with a rustling sound, then his whole body shakes, then the feathers come up and he circles slowly. He can maintain this dance for up to an hour, especially if he can see himself in the reflection of a window (so he is often blocking the back door and I have to stroke his feathers down to get past!)

As you can see he is also quite proud of his substantial bum! The funniest thing about this ritual, however, is that instead of all the young females (the peahens)  watching and waiting, hoping they’ll be the first he asks to dance, it’s the young males who are most impressed. From a respectful distance, they attempt to copy his every move. It’s both beautiful and hilarious!