[the handicap principle is the claim] that certain forms of sexually selected behaviour (and features of animal anatomy supporting them) may have evolved because they apparently act to reduce the chances of individual survival of the animal exhibiting the behaviour.

For example, the tail of a peacock makes the peacock more vulnerable to predators, and is therefore a handicap. But the message that the tail carries to the potential mate peahen is 'I have survived in spite of this huge tail, hence I am fitter and more attractive than others'

http://www.brigadegroup.com/art/cmf/01.htm

"Natural enemies: Jungle predators like eagles, tigers and leopards; disease and man.
"

With their heavy body, peafowl generally prefer walking and running to flying. When they must fly to evade predators or to reach roost trees at night, they fly in short, strong bursts.

Tigers or other large carnivores are potential predators, but peacocks make great watchdogs with their wariness and loud warning calls.

(http://www.garden-city.org/zoo/animalinfo/Birds/indi...)

But the message that the tail carries to the potential mate peahen is 'I have survived in spite of this huge tail, hence I am fitter and more attractive than others'