Albino Peacocks

A white, or albino, peacock is a genetic variant of the Indian Blue peacock. The albino peacock is white rather than the typical array of bright and vibrant colors because they are missing certain pigments that colorful peacocks possess. Moreover the color of a peacock (or any bird for that matter) depends on the pigment and structure of the feathers that are equally important in determining the peacock's physical appearance. While melanins, carotenoids and porphyrines determine the bird's pigmentation, the structure of the peacocks feathers and the lamallae or thin plate layers of the peacock's feathers that behave like a prism and split the light of the peacock's colors.

Here are some more pictures of the albino peacock:

Sources: Treehuger

Peacock Taxonomy & Evolutionary Background

Peacocks, belonging to the Gillaformes order, are close relatives of pheasants, quail, turkey and Guinea fowl. Furthermore, many may ponder the evolutionary significance of how peacocks developed such long and colorful tails. According to Darwin's theory on sexual selection, peacocks developed their intricate tails in order to attract surrounding peafowl and indicate they are a healthy match. Results from various experiments have actually showed that peacocks with the largest tails and more plentiful eyespots have a better chance at survival than those who don't. Finally there is also a downside to having such a large train of feathers to the point where it could come burdensome at times. If a peacocks tail is too big then it could be difficult to move around and could also potentially attract even more predators. But alas, according to Darwin's theory of sexual selection, these peacocks too will die off leaving those with the the perfect sized trains more likely to survive. 

Kingdom: Animalia

Pylum: Chordata

Class: Aves

Order: Gillaformes

Family: Phasianidae

Genera: Pavo

Species: Cristatus 

Sources: NZBirds & PBS

Peacock Reproductive/Mating Behavior

Peacocks reach sexual maturity at the age of 3 once their colorful feathers have fully grown to attract the opposite sex. Peacock breeding season typically lasts for about 5 months through some of the warmest months of the year, usually April through August. Peacocks strive to reproduce when the climate is relatively warm though the exact months will vary depending on the peacocks geographical location. The peacock attracts the opposite sex by spreading and shaking their multi-colored feathers through a mating dance. Furthermore in practicing this dance the peacock lets out a powerfully loud mating call  while facing his potential mating partner. If the peafowl is interested, she will allow the peacock to mount her and engage in further reproductive behavior. 

Sources: eHow

Here's a video where you can both see and hear a peacock's mating behavior: