Peacock vs. Turkey — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 6, 2023
A Peacock is a male peafowl known for its iridescent tail feathers, while a Turkey is a large bird native to North America, often eaten during Thanksgiving. Both are birds, but of different families and significance.
Difference Between Peacock and Turkey
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A Peacock refers to the male of the peafowl species, which is known for its dazzling and iridescent tail feathers that fan out beautifully. On the other hand, the Turkey is a completely different bird, primarily known for its significance in American culture, especially during the holiday of Thanksgiving.
The Peacock, with its striking and radiant colors, is native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. This bird is often associated with grandeur and vanity, given the male's showy display. The Turkey, meanwhile, originates from North America and is a staple in American and Canadian cuisines.
When considering size, Peacocks tend to be smaller and more slender compared to Turkeys. The Peacock's physical allure lies in its magnificent tail feathers which can open into a massive fan, used in mating dances. Turkeys, on the contrary, have a bulkier physique and are known for their distinctive wattle and snood.
Historically and culturally, Peacocks have various symbolisms in different cultures, often representing royalty, spirituality, and immortality. Turkeys, while also having significance in some Native American cultures, are widely recognized in modern times as the centerpiece of Thanksgiving meals.
In terms of behavior, both birds differ considerably. Peacocks can be seen displaying their feathers, trying to attract a mate, while Turkeys are often seen in flocks and are known for their unique gobbling sound.
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Comparison Chart
Origin
Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia.
North America.
Physical Trait
Iridescent tail feathers that fan out.
Distinctive wattle, snood, and bulkier body.
Cultural Significance
Represents royalty, spirituality, etc.
Centerpiece of Thanksgiving meals; Native American symbol.
Sound
Variety of calls but doesn't gobble.
Known for its unique gobbling sound.
Diet
Omnivorous - eats seeds, insects, small mammals.
Omnivorous - forages for seeds, nuts, and small creatures.
Compare with Definitions
Peacock
The male of the peafowl species.
The Peacock spread its feathers in a grand display.
Turkey
Commonly eaten during Thanksgiving in the US.
We're having a roasted Turkey for dinner tonight.
Peacock
Native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia.
We spotted a Peacock during our trip to India.
Turkey
Known for its distinctive gobble sound.
Early in the morning, we heard the Turkey gobble.
Peacock
A bird known for iridescent tail feathers.
Children gazed in wonder at the Peacock.
Turkey
Represents abundance and festivity in modern American culture.
A golden Turkey sat at the center of the festive table.
Peacock
Symbol of vanity due to its display.
He strutted around like a Peacock, showing off his new suit.
Turkey
Turkey (Turkish: Türkiye [ˈtyɾcije]), officially the Republic of Turkey, is a country bridging Europe and Asia. It shares borders with Greece and Bulgaria to the northwest; the Black Sea to the north; Georgia to the northeast; Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Iran to the east; Iraq to the southeast; Syria and the Mediterranean Sea to the south; and the Aegean Sea to the west.
Peacock
Represents royalty in various cultures.
The throne was adorned with Peacock motifs.
Turkey
A country comprising the whole of the Anatolian peninsula in western Asia, with a small portion in south-eastern Europe to the west of Istanbul; population 78,700,000 (estimated 2015); official language, Turkish; capital, Ankara.
Peacock
A male peafowl, which has very long tail feathers that have eye-like markings and can be erected and fanned out in display.
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.
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.
Turkey
The flesh of this bird, used as food.
Peacock
A peafowl, either male or female.
Turkey
A related bird (Meleagris ocellata syn. Agriocharis ocellata) of Mexico and Central America, brilliantly colored and having eyelike spots on its tail.
Peacock
A vain or ostentatious person.
Turkey
A person considered inept or undesirable.
Peacock
To strut about like a peacock; exhibit oneself vainly.
Turkey
A failure, especially a failed theatrical production or movie.
Peacock
A male peafowl, especially Pavo cristatus, notable for its brilliant iridescently ocellated tail.
Turkey
(Sports) Three consecutive strikes in bowling.
Peacock
A peafowl (of the genus Pavo or Afropavo), either male or female.
Turkey
The guinea fowl (family Numididae).
Peacock
A vainglorious person from the 14th c..
Turkey
(countable) A bird in the genus Meleagris with a fan-shaped tail and wattled neck, especially the wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo, now domesticated).
Peacock
(entomology) Any of various Asian species of papilionid butterflies of the genus Papilio.
Turkey
(uncountable) The flesh or meat of this bird eaten as food.
All week after Thanksgiving, I had turkey sandwiches for lunch.
Peacock
(intransitive) To strut about proudly or haughtily.
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)).
Peacock
(intransitive) To engage in peacocking, ostentatious dress or behaviour to impress women.
Turkey
An act of throwing three strikes in a row.
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.
Turkey
A patient feigning symptoms; a person faking illness or injury; a malingerer.
Peacock
In common usage, the species in general or collectively; a peafowl.
Turkey
A pack carried by a lumberman; a bindle; also, a large travel bag, a suitcase.
Peacock
European butterfly having reddish-brown wings each marked with a purple eyespot
Turkey
A failure.
That film was a turkey.
Peacock
Male peafowl; having a crested head and very large fanlike tail marked with iridescent eyes or spots
Turkey
A foolish or inept person.
The turkey cut in front of me and then berated me for running into him.
Turkey
A country in the southeast of Europe and southwest of Asia.
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.
Turkey
Large gallinaceous bird with fan-shaped tail; widely domesticated for food
Turkey
A Eurasian republic in Asia Minor and the Balkans; achieved independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1923
Turkey
A person who does something thoughtless or annoying;
Some joker is blocking the driveway
Turkey
Flesh of large domesticated fowl usually roasted
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
Turkey
Wild turkey of Central America and northern South America
Turkey
A large bird native to North America.
The Turkey roamed the backyard looking for food.
Turkey
Also refers to a country in between Europe and Asia.
Istanbul in Turkey is a city that spans two continents.
Common Curiosities
Which bird is native to North America?
The Turkey is native to North America.
Which bird represents vanity?
The Peacock often symbolizes vanity due to its showy display.
Is Turkey eaten worldwide?
While Turkeys are eaten in many parts of the world, they're especially popular in the US during Thanksgiving.
What is a young Turkey called?
A young Turkey is called a poult.
Are Peacocks kept in gardens for ornamental purposes?
Yes, Peacocks are often kept in gardens or estates due to their beauty.
Which bird is known for a grand tail display?
The Peacock is known for its iridescent tail display.
What is the female Peacock called?
The female Peacock is called a peahen.
What's the distinctive sound of a Turkey?
The Turkey is known for its unique gobbling sound.
Do Peacocks fly well?
While Peacocks can fly, they're not long-distance fliers and often prefer running or walking.
How large can a Turkey get?
Domestic Turkeys can weigh over 30 pounds, with wild ones being somewhat lighter.
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Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
