Peacock (Indian Peafowl)
NamePeacock (Indian Peafowl)
Common NameIndian Peafowl
Scientific NamePavo cristatus
FamilyPhasianidae
Wingspan (cm)145
Length (cm)210
Weight (g)5000
Plumage DetailsMales typically display iridescent blue on the head, neck, and breast, with a fan-like crest. The back is bronze-green, and the most striking feature is the greatly elongated upper tail coverts, forming a 'train' adorned with metallic blue and green 'eyespots'. The bird in the image exhibits a pied or leucistic variation, showing significant patches of white plumage mixed with the typical blue and green iridescence, particularly on the body and back.
Vocalization / CallKnown for a loud, piercing, trumpet-like call, often described as 'may-awe' or 'kee-ow', especially during the breeding season or as an alarm call.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, woodland, agricultural land, scrubland, near human habitation
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeNative to the Indian subcontinent, including India, Sri Lanka, and parts of Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh. It has been widely introduced and naturalized in many other parts of the world.
Identifying Featuresiridescent blue head and neck (males), long, elaborate tail train with 'eyespots' (males), fan-like crest, large size, loud, distinctive call
Description
The Indian Peafowl is a large, colorful pheasant native to South Asia, renowned for the male's elaborate iridescent blue plumage and extremely long, ornate tail covert feathers (train) used in courtship displays. They are ground-feeding birds that often roost in trees.
