Peacock (Indian Peafowl)
NamePeacock (Indian Peafowl)
Common NameIndian Peafowl
Scientific NamePavo cristatus
FamilyPhasianidae
Wingspan (cm)150
Length (cm)200
Weight (g)5000
Plumage DetailsMales have an iridescent blue head, neck, and breast, with a fan-shaped crest of wire-like feathers tipped with blue. The most striking feature is the elongated upper tail coverts, forming a magnificent train of green and bronze feathers, each tipped with a prominent 'eyespot' (ocellus), which can be fanned out. Females are duller, mostly brownish-grey with some green on the neck and lack the long train.
Vocalization / CallKnown for its loud, piercing, high-pitched calls, often described as 'kee-ow' or 'may-awe', which can be heard over long distances, especially during the breeding season.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, grassland, agricultural land, scrubland, near human settlements
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeNative to the Indian subcontinent, including India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan. It has been widely introduced and naturalized in many other parts of the world.
Identifying FeaturesMale's elaborate, iridescent fanned train with 'eyespot' patterns, Bright iridescent blue head and neck on males, Fan-shaped crest on head, Large size, Loud, distinctive calls
Description
The Indian Peafowl is a large, colorful pheasant known for the male's elaborate, iridescent tail feather display. Males fan their impressive train, adorned with 'eyespot' patterns, during courtship rituals to attract females.
