Transcript:

Peacocks Mateambience: peacocksThat's a sound you might hear in India, Sri Lanka, and elsewhere in Asia this time of year, when peacocks are mating. Some believe that in their shimmering tail shines the eyes of God, while others consider them nothing but bad luck. Whatever the opinion, peacocks are probably the most recognizable of all birds, and this week, courting males are putting their famous tail feathers to good use. I'm Jim Metzner, and this is the Pulse of the Planet.The true name for these birds is peafowl; peacocks are the male of the species, and are the only ones with the trademark luxurious, sparkling, tail feathers.That cry is a male peacock warning neighboring males off of his territory. He's searching out a mate, and he doesn't want any competition. After fighting off one or two other courters, his domain will be established and the male will use his feathers, and a little bit of trickery, to attract females. The peacock acts if he's pecking at food, with his head to the ground and his tail above to draw attention to himself. The potential mate scurries over in hopes to grab a meal, and the suitor stands upright and entices her with his shining tail. The male repeats this ritual several times every season, and mates with a few females. Each of them will then raise her eggs on her own.In the past, peacocks were shipped over to America, to roam the grounds of estates. If one tired of just admiring the birds from afar, a peacock feast was considered a distinct symbol of wealth. Today, partially as a result of human harvesting of the birds, several types of peafowl are at dangerously low numbers. But for this time of year at least, the peacocks are working hard to remedy that situation.I'm Jim Metzner, and this is the Pulse of the Planet.