Taxidermic India Blue Peacock. Pavo cristatus. Photo Bonhams

A full body mount of an India Blue male peacock with an incredible and massive train, a particularly beautiful irridescence to the neck and an excellent crest. Originally found in India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka they are now bred domestically. Peacocks are large, colorful pheasants known for their iridescent tails which spread out in a distinctive train that comprises over 60 percent of the bird's total body length. The train boasts colorful "eye" markings of blue, gold, red, and other hues. Used in mating rituals and courtship displays the train can be arched into a magnificent fan that reaches across the bird's back and touches the ground on either side. Females are believed to choose their mates according to the size, color, and quality of these outrageous feather trains. While the term "peacock" is commonly used to refer to birds of both sexes, technically speaking only males are peacocks. Females are known as peahens, and together, they are called peafowl. In the case of this particular specimen, the train is detachable for ease of transport. Length overall approximately: 68in. Lot 2006^Y. Estimate: US$ 2,000 - 3,000 / £1,300 - 1,900 / €1,600 - 2,300

Bonhams. 4 Jun 2012 1 p.m. New York. Taxidermy, Lepidoptera, Conchology