Courtship and mate selection in peacocks ( Pavo cristatus ) is very complex, says Roz Dakin, a researcher at Queen's University (Canada), who has just published a study on these birds in the journal Animal Behavior . "There are many factors to consider, such as body color, head feathers. In addition, the males call the females and show themselves. They even choose a strategic position in front of the sunlight so that their colors stand out more", he explains. .
Specifically, Dakin has discovered that the number of ocelli similar to the eyes of the tail plumage of male peacocks determines his success in conquering females . The fewer "eyes" a male exhibits, the more likely he is to be rejected. Dakin suspects that females may attribute the lack of spots to the male being still too young, having a small tail, or even not being in good health.
