Peafowl | Sri Lanka Wildlife Guide
Only the males wear the famous colorful plumage, with the peahen looking drabber in brown and white feathers. As one might expect, the flamboyant tail feathers are used by the male to attract a mate, with the most impressive fan usually resulting in success with the hens.
As can probably be expected with such a dramatic bird, there is a lot of symbolism involving peacocks. Peacocks are widely believed to eat poisonous plants and even poisonous snakes like cobras. Within Buddhist belief, they represent wisdom and the ability to transform poison into beneficial nutrients. They are related to the bodhisattvas, god-like beings who come to earth to help humans achieve enlightenment. Like the peacock, they are able to transform the “poisons” of ignorance, desire and hatred into fuel for spiritual growth.