White Peacock by David Whited

White Peacock

David Whited

White Peacock

Digital photography

Inv: MM-1174

The White Peacock isn't a separate species but a striking color variant of the Indian Peafowl (*Pavo cristatus*), caused by a genetic condition called leucism that reduces pigment in the feathers while leaving the eyes normally colored (unlike true albinism). Despite lacking the iconic blue-green iridescence, males still display the same elaborate courtship train, fanning out pure white tail feathers etched with the same ghostly eye-spot patterns during mating displays. Popular in ornamental aviaries and estates worldwide, these birds are fully domesticated and bred selectively for their striking all-white appearance, and they retain the same loud, distinctive calls, omnivorous diet, and social behavior as their more colorful counterparts.