Many of us have seen peacock feathers at least once. They are often available for purchase at zoos as souvenirs or used as decorations and accessories. But the question arises—do the birds themselves suffer from this?
A peacock without its magnificent tail resembles a king without a crown, a tiger without stripes, or a cowboy without boots. The male peacock has symbolized beauty, grandeur, and pride for centuries. Like many other bird species, male peacocks are significantly brighter and more attractive than females. This is necessary to attract the attention of females during courtship displays.
However, every year, closer to the end of summer, peacocks stop courting females, showcasing their stunning patterns on their tail feathers. At this time, their plumage begins to gradually molt. This process is a natural seasonal molting for birds.
The fact is that peacock feathers wear out over time, losing their functionality and beauty. Since these feathers cannot regenerate on their own, like skin, the birds are forced to shed them. After the breeding season ends, hormones in the peacock's body are activated, initiating the molting process and promoting the growth of new vibrant feathers.
About seven months later—just in time for the start of the new breeding season—all the feathers in the tail will have regrown, providing males with renewed “weapons” to attract females.
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