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Peacock vs. Turkey: What's the Difference?

Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on September 25, 2023
A peacock is a colorful, ornate bird known for its iridescent tail feathers, whereas a turkey is a large bird known for its fan-shaped tail and wattle. Both are distinct species with different habitats and behaviors.

Key Differences

A peacock is a symbol of beauty and elegance in the avian world, predominantly due to its vibrant, multicolored plumage and ornate tail feathers. These exquisite features are characteristic of the male species, utilized primarily for courtship displays. A peacock’s vibrant colors and intricate patterns are distinctive, allowing it to stand out amongst other avian species. Its flamboyant appearance is associated with various cultural and spiritual symbolisms, representing beauty, immortality, and refinement across different civilizations.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
In contrast, a turkey is recognized by its substantial size, fan-shaped tail, and the distinctive wattle hanging from its beak. Unlike the peacock, both male and female turkeys have less vibrant feathers, primarily in brown tones, serving as camouflage. Turkeys are renowned for their social and foraging behaviors, usually moving in groups while searching for food. These birds are native to North America and are integral to the region's ecology and have significance in American culture, notably as a traditional dish during Thanksgiving.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Diving deeper into their habitats, peacocks predominantly inhabit the Indian subcontinent and Sri Lanka, thriving in forested areas and near water sources. Their adaptability allows them to coexist with humans, often frequenting areas near villages. The peacock’s natural environment is integral to its survival, offering the necessary resources and conditions to sustain its life and propagate its species.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Turkeys, alternatively, are indigenous to the forests of North America, adapting to various environments, from forests to grasslands. They are ground-feeding birds, consuming a varied diet including seeds, berries, and insects. The adaptability of turkeys to diverse ecosystems denotes their ecological versatility, contributing to the ecological balance and biodiversity of their habitats.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Summarizing, the primary differences between peacocks and turkeys arise from their physical characteristics, habitats, behaviors, and cultural significances. While peacocks are revered for their dazzling plumage and symbolic value, turkeys are valued for their ecological role and cultural importance, especially in American traditions.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
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Comparison Chart

Appearance

Vibrant and multicolored plumage
Large, with primarily brown feathers
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023

Habitat

Indian subcontinent and Sri Lanka
North America
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023

Behavior

Known for courtship displays
Move in groups and are known for foraging behavior
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023

Significance

Cultural and spiritual symbolisms
Significant in American culture, especially during Thanksgiving
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023

Adaptation

Coexists with humans and adaptable to various habitats
Adaptable to diverse ecosystems
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
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Peacock and Turkey Definitions

Peacock

Inhabits areas in the Indian subcontinent and Sri Lanka.
We observed a peacock gracefully walking in the forests of India.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 25, 2023

Turkey

Known for its distinctive wattle and less vibrant brown feathers.
The turkey’s wattle is a distinctive feature of its appearance.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023

Peacock

A male peafowl with iridescent blue or green plumage.
The peacock spread its vibrant tail feathers to attract a mate.
Harlon Moss
Sep 25, 2023

Turkey

A large bird native to North America with a fan-shaped tail.
The turkey wandered through the woods, foraging for food.
Janet White
Sep 25, 2023

Peacock

Can refer to an ostentatious or self-centered individual.
He strutted around like a peacock, flaunting his achievements.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 25, 2023
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Turkey

Served as a traditional dish during Thanksgiving in the United States.
Every Thanksgiving, we roast a turkey for dinner.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023

Peacock

Known for elaborate courtship displays involving plumage.
The peacock performed an elaborate dance to woo the peahen.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023

Turkey

Represents failure or a flop, especially in show business.
The movie was a turkey and received poor reviews.
Harlon Moss
Sep 25, 2023

Peacock

A male peafowl, distinguished by its crested head, brilliant blue or green plumage, and long modified back feathers that are marked with iridescent eyelike spots and that can be spread in a fanlike form.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 03, 2023

Turkey

Exhibits social behavior, often moving in groups called rafter.
A rafter of turkeys moved through the field together.
Harlon Moss
Sep 25, 2023

Peacock

A peafowl, either male or female.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 03, 2023

Turkey

A large North American bird (Meleagris gallopavo) that has brownish plumage and a bare wattled head and neck and is widely domesticated for food.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 03, 2023

Peacock

A vain or ostentatious person.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 03, 2023

Turkey

The flesh of this bird, used as food.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 03, 2023

Peacock

To strut about like a peacock; exhibit oneself vainly.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 03, 2023

Turkey

A related bird (Meleagris ocellata syn. Agriocharis ocellata) of Mexico and Central America, brilliantly colored and having eyelike spots on its tail.
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Apr 03, 2023

Peacock

A male peafowl, especially Pavo cristatus, notable for its brilliant iridescently ocellated tail.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 03, 2023

Turkey

A person considered inept or undesirable.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 03, 2023

Peacock

A peafowl (of the genus Pavo or Afropavo), either male or female.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 03, 2023

Turkey

A failure, especially a failed theatrical production or movie.
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Apr 03, 2023

Peacock

A vainglorious person from the 14th c..
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 03, 2023

Turkey

(Sports) Three consecutive strikes in bowling.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 03, 2023

Peacock

(entomology) Any of various Asian species of papilionid butterflies of the genus Papilio.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 03, 2023

Turkey

The guinea fowl (family Numididae).
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 03, 2023

Peacock

(intransitive) To strut about proudly or haughtily.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 03, 2023

Turkey

(countable) A bird in the genus Meleagris with a fan-shaped tail and wattled neck, especially the wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo, now domesticated).
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 03, 2023

Peacock

(intransitive) To engage in peacocking, ostentatious dress or behaviour to impress women.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 03, 2023

Turkey

(uncountable) The flesh or meat of this bird eaten as food.
All week after Thanksgiving, I had turkey sandwiches for lunch.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 03, 2023

Peacock

The male of any pheasant of the genus Pavo, of which at least two species are known, native of Southern Asia and the East Indies.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 03, 2023

Turkey

(countable) With a distinguishing word: a bird resembling the Meleagris gallopavo (for example, the brush turkey or bush turkey (Alectura lathami), and the water turkey (Anhinga anhinga)).
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 03, 2023

Peacock

In common usage, the species in general or collectively; a peafowl.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 03, 2023

Turkey

An act of throwing three strikes in a row.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 03, 2023

Peacock

European butterfly having reddish-brown wings each marked with a purple eyespot
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 03, 2023

Turkey

A patient feigning symptoms; a person faking illness or injury; a malingerer.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 03, 2023

Peacock

Male peafowl; having a crested head and very large fanlike tail marked with iridescent eyes or spots
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 03, 2023

Turkey

A pack carried by a lumberman; a bindle; also, a large travel bag, a suitcase.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 03, 2023

Peacock

Symbolizes beauty, immortality, and refinement in various cultures.
In mythology, the peacock is often associated with divine beings.
Sara Rehman
Sep 25, 2023

Turkey

A failure.
That film was a turkey.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 03, 2023

Turkey

A foolish or inept person.
The turkey cut in front of me and then berated me for running into him.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 03, 2023

Turkey

A country in the southeast of Europe and southwest of Asia.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 03, 2023

Turkey

Any large American gallinaceous bird belonging to the genus Meleagris, especially the North American wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo), and the domestic turkey, which was probably derived from the Mexican wild turkey, but had been domesticated by the Indians long before the discovery of America.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 03, 2023

Turkey

Large gallinaceous bird with fan-shaped tail; widely domesticated for food
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 03, 2023

Turkey

A Eurasian republic in Asia Minor and the Balkans; achieved independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1923
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 03, 2023

Turkey

A person who does something thoughtless or annoying;
Some joker is blocking the driveway
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Apr 03, 2023

Turkey

Flesh of large domesticated fowl usually roasted
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 03, 2023

Turkey

An event that fails badly or is totally ineffectual;
The first experiment was a real turkey
The meeting was a dud as far as new business was concerned
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 03, 2023

Turkey

Wild turkey of Central America and northern South America
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 03, 2023

FAQs

Do peacocks have symbolic meaning in cultures?

Yes, peacocks symbolize beauty, immortality, and refinement in various cultures.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023

Do only male peacocks have colorful plumage?

Yes, male peacocks have vibrant and colorful plumage used for courtship displays.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023

Are peacocks found in the Indian subcontinent?

Yes, peacocks predominantly inhabit regions in the Indian subcontinent and Sri Lanka.
Harlon Moss
Sep 25, 2023

Is peacock only used to refer to male peafowls?

Yes, “peacock” specifically refers to males, while females are “peahens” and the generic term is “peafowl.”
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023

Is the turkey's wattle a unique feature of its appearance?

Yes, the wattle is a distinctive, fleshy lobe hanging from the beak of a turkey.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023

Is turkey a traditional Thanksgiving dish?

Yes, turkey is a central part of Thanksgiving meals in the United States.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023

Are turkeys native to North America?

Yes, wild turkeys are indigenous to North America.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 25, 2023

Can the term turkey refer to a failure?

Yes, in slang, “turkey” can mean a failure or flop, especially in show business.
Sara Rehman
Sep 25, 2023

Do turkeys exhibit social behavior?

Yes, turkeys are social birds, often moving in groups known as rafters.
Sara Rehman
Sep 25, 2023

Can peacock also mean a vain or self-absorbed person?

Yes, colloquially, a “peacock” can refer to someone who is ostentatious or self-centered.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 25, 2023

Can both peacocks and turkeys be seen in zoos?

Yes, both peacocks and turkeys are commonly housed in zoos for public viewing.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023

Is the peacock's colorful plumage used for attracting mates?

Yes, male peacocks use their colorful plumage in elaborate courtship displays to attract females.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 25, 2023

Can turkey refer to a large domesticated bird used for food?

Yes, turkey typically refers to a large domesticated bird consumed as food, especially during Thanksgiving.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023

Are peahens less colorful than peacocks?

Yes, peahens typically have more subdued and less colorful plumage compared to peacocks.
Sara Rehman
Sep 25, 2023

Are turkeys adaptable to different ecosystems?

Yes, turkeys are versatile and can adapt to a variety of ecosystems from forests to grasslands.
Sara Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira Riaz
Sawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma Saeed
Huma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.

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