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Plant Talk

Inside The New York Botanical Garden

Morning Eye Candy: You Gotta Let Me Fly!

Posted in Around the Garden, Photography, Wildlife on July 12 2012, by Matt Newman

Peahen sighted! The subdued colors of the female aren’t so easily recognizable as the flamboyant frill of the male peacock, but the slight tinges of blue-green color (not to mention those Dr. Seuss-esque head feathers) should give her away.

What few realize is that these birds really can fly, though they’re often kept in open-air aviaries–it’s just easier to stay put than leave a reliable food source. Another fact, somewhat more hilarious: peacocks are used as “guard dogs” by some, as they have a tendency to let out deafening squawks at the approach of strangers. Just don’t expect them to tackle an intruder with any efficacy.

Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen

Comments

Pat Gonzalez said:

This is great. It was only a matter of time before one of these showed up from our neighbor across the street: The Bronx Zoo. They have free reign over the zoo grounds. I hope to spot this one, during my next NYBG photoshoot.

Lewis said:

I love peahens and peacocks! Such beautiful birds, the colors on the feathers are amazing. But they can be very scary which is why the are used as “guard dogs”. Their cries are ear piercing. I have a bird sanctuary about 1/2 mile from my house and I can hear them screech sometimes at my house!