Indian Peacock, also known as Indian Peafowl, was declared the national bird of India in 1963.
Peacock, one of the most attractive birds, is commonly found in various parts of our country India. Its zoological name is Pavo Cristatus from the genus Pavo. Peahen is the female bird whilst the male bird is called peacock. The peacock has a train of over 200 beautiful blue-green feathers with colourful eyespots. It has a crown coloured metallic blue.
During molting season, the males shed their train feathers and their grey quill feathers are more obvious. Females lack the bright colors of the male and have a more duller appearance which is common in many other bird species. Peahens have lighter underparts and are generally brown in color. They also lack the long upper tail coverts. They may have some iridescent green coloring on their neck.
Dwelling Places
Peafowl are mainly ground-dwelling birds often found in forests and farmland. They can also be found in bushlands and rainforests. Many will nest on the ground while some will roost in trees. Our mornings are always a pleasing sight with them prancing and dancing around.
They feed on….
Peafowl are omnivores and their diet consists of plants and flower petals, seeds, ants, termites, ticks and locusts. They will also eat small reptiles such as young cobra snakes, arthropods and amphibians.
