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. Their most striking feature is the elongated upper tail coverts, forming a magnificent green-bronze 'train' adorned with numerous eye-spots (ocelli). The lower back is scaly green, and underparts are white. Females are generally duller, with a greenish neck, brownish body, and lack the long train.
Vocalization / CallKnown for its loud, piercing, and often harsh calls, typically described as a 'kee-ow' or 'may-awe', especially during the breeding season or when alarmed.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, grassland, shrubland, agricultural land
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeNative to the Indian subcontinent, including India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Bhutan. It has been widely introduced and naturalized in many other parts of the world.
Identifying FeaturesLarge size, Male's elaborate iridescent green train with eye-spots, Iridescent blue head and neck (male), Fan-like crest on head, Loud, distinctive calls
Description
The Indian Peafowl is a large, colorful pheasant known for the male's extravagant tail feathers, which can reach up to 2 meters in length. Males display these iridescent feathers during courtship, while females are duller in plumage. These birds are ground-feeders, often found foraging in open forests and cultivated lands.
