The Peacock and the Crane – Aesop Fable for Kids

A beautiful Peacock lived in the forest. He was very proud of his feathers. “Look at me!” he would say to the other birds. “Look at my tail! It has the colors of the rainbow—blue, green, gold, and purple. I am like a King!” He would spread his tail like a giant fan and dance. The other birds admired him, which made him even more boastful.

One day, a Crane landed by the river. The Crane was a simple bird, with long thin legs and plain gray feathers. The Peacock saw him and laughed. “Oh my!” he clucked. “Look at that dull bird. No colors at all. Just gray, gray, gray. How boring!” He walked over to the Crane, strutting and showing off. “Hello, stranger,” said the Peacock rudely. “I suppose you feel very plain standing next to me. Look at my brilliant colors. Look at my shimmering neck. And then look at… well, look at you.”

The Crane looked up from his fishing. He chewed on a small fish and swallowed it. “Your feathers are indeed beautiful, Peacock,” said the Crane calmly. “They shine like jewels.” The Peacock puffed out his chest. “Yes, they do. Nature has blessed me.”

“But,” added the Crane, “I notice your wings are short and heavy. You cannot fly very far, can you?” The Peacock frowned. “I can fly… a little bit. Into a tree.” “Watch this,” said the Crane. He spread his wide, powerful wings. They were not colorful, but they were strong. He flapped them—Whoosh! Whoosh!—and lifted off the ground. He flew higher and higher. He soared above the trees. He circled the clouds. The sun shone on his back. He looked like a silver arrow in the sky. From high above, he called down to the Peacock. “I may not be colorful,” shouted the Crane, “but my wings carry me around the world! I can see the mountains and the oceans. You can only look at your own tail in the mud!”

The Peacock stood on the ground, looking up. He felt very small and silly. All his beautiful feathers were useless for flying high. He realized that being able to do things is more important than just looking good. He folded his tail and walked away quietly, learning a lesson in humility.

Moral of the Story: Do not judge others by their looks. Usefulness is more valuable than beauty. Fine feathers do not make fine birds.

Keep exploring: Read more think-before-you-act stories or choose another lesson from Aesop’s fables.