Peafowl Question: Do White Peahens (females) have the same size display as White Peacocks (males)?

Question

I recently had a dinner table debate about White Peafowl:

I said, " Only the Males have the more elaborate display of plumage and can do the famous fan spread, but the females' have only a minor display compared to the males. Like most birds the males are the more brilliant."

They said: "No, in the White variety of peafowl, it's the female with the greater spread."

Which statement is correct?

Answer 1

You are correct.  I hadn't heard of white peafowl before, but I looked them up and the hens don't have the large display, the same as other peafowl.  There is a photo of the white peacock displaying for the hen on the referenced site.

"The true tail feathers are seen from behind when the peacock struts; they help to hold the train erect. As the lovely White peacock is displaying, ..."

Answer 2

I can't think of any female birds that indulge in extravagant displays.  The linked article contains photos of male and female white peafowls.  It's the male with the ludicrous tail.  You're right.