Jesse's name is a nod to the museum's founder, Marion Koogler McNay - who was born Jessie Marion Koogler. The peacock was chosen as the mascot in honor of Marion's love for the colorful bird.

Peacocks are majestic birds that capture our imaginations. With brilliant and colorful designs, and enormous feathers, these birds have often been a sign of royalty, pride and beauty. Our next set ...

But bigger is only better up to a point. If peacock trains become too big or too colorful over time, they may no longer confer a selective advantage. Exaggerated trains might attract a new kind of ...

Peacock spiders are well known for the elaborate ... The display includes extending and waving their third pair of legs and opening the colorful flap-like extensions on the abdomen.