Actually, the name peacock applies only to the male. The female is a peahen, and together they are called peafowl. Both of them are very pretty, but it is the male that has the most beauty with his 30-inch body and 5-foot tail. Each feather over his entire body is patterned with an iridescent “eye.” He seems to enjoy proudly displaying this beauty by frequently lifting his tail and sweeping it back and forth.
These birds are native to Oriental countries, but have adapted easily to the many places they have been sent. The Bible tells us that Solomon imported them to Israel, probably to roam in his lovely gardens. The pharaohs of Egypt also did this.
There are two main color types. One is known as the blue Indian. It has a metallic blue-green neck and breast, purplish-blue underparts, and a long train of greenish feathers. It is the national bird of India.
The other is called Java green, and it has metallic bronze plumage and a crest of long, straight feathers on its head. It is the more splendid and stately of the two species with longer and slimmer legs. Its face is blue or yellow, and the crest of its head forms a long, straight tuft of fully-barbed feathers.
Both types are beautiful, but the blues are more popular because they are even-tempered. The greens are always fighting among themselves and sometimes attack people. The females (hens) of both varieties are pretty, and nearly as large as the cocks, but lacking the long train of feathers and crowns.
The “eyes” of the feathers on nearly all peafowl appear as a deep purple-green pupil, centered in an orange iris, topped with yellow, lavender, and green semi-circles, all pointing to the feather’s end. How faithfully they follow the pattern given by the Creator when He first placed them on the earth! Each generation repeats the design perfectly.
The only thing that spoils these unusually pretty birds is their voice. How disappointing when they call to find that no sweet song comes forth, but only harsh, rough cries, sounding like fighting cats or someone desperately calling for help.
“Proud as a peacock” is a common expression. Of course, the peacocks do not know about it. But we, for whom the Bible has been provided, know that we should not let pride come into our hearts and minds. One Bible verse states: “The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down; and the Lord alone shall be exalted.” Isa. 2:1111The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day. (Isaiah 2:11). May we always remember to be humble and give all praise to Him, “the Son of God, who loved [us], and gave Himself for [us].” Gal. 2:2020I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20).
ML-08/12/1984