Pavo cristatus
The Indian Peafowl, with the male often referred to as a peacock, is an iconic species renowned for its breathtaking beauty and elaborate display. Males are spectacularly adorned, reaching up to 225 cm in length (including its impressive train) with a wingspan of 1.3-1.6 m and weighing 4-6 kg. Their bodies shimmer with iridescent blue and green plumage, crowned by a distinct fan-like crest and the magnificent, ocelli-laden train, which is actually comprised of elongated upper tail covert feat...
Found primarily in dry deciduous forests, scrublands, and agricultural areas, often near human settlements and water sources, typically at low to moderate elevations.
Omnivorous, their diet consists mainly of seeds, grains, fruits, insects, small reptiles, and amphibians, primarily gleaned from the ground.
Indian Peafowl are diurnal, spending their nights roosting in tall trees for safety. They are primarily ground foragers, scratching and pecking to find food, and are capable fliers despite their size. Males are polygynous, establishing territories or leks during the breeding season which are ofte...
The Indian Peafowl is native to the Indian subcontinent, encompassing India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh. Its primary breeding range extends across dry, deciduous forests, scrublands, and cultivated areas, often in close proximity to human settlements and water sources. Whi...
Least Concern
- The male peacock's magnificent 'train' is not his tail feathers, but rather greatly elongated upper tail covert feathers. The actual tail feathers are short and stiff, used to support the train during display. - Despite their impressive size and long train, peacocks are capable of flight, thoug...