Indian Peafowl
Pavo cristatus
Overview
The Indian peafowl, commonly known as the peacock, is a large and colorful pheasant native to South Asia. The male is famous for its spectacular tail feathers (train) which contain eyespots.
Fun Fact
Only the male is called a peacock; the female is a peahen. Together, they are peafowl.
Physical Characteristics
Males have a brilliant blue neck and a train of elongated upper tail coverts with iridescent eyespots. Females are brown and lack the train.
Behavior & Ecology
Males display their train in a fan shape and shake it to produce a rattling sound to attract females.
Diet & Hunting Strategy
They eat seeds, insects, fruits, small mammals, and reptiles (including snakes).
Reproduction & Life Cycle
Polygamous. The male takes no part in raising the chicks.
Human Interaction
National bird of India. kept as ornamental birds worldwide for millennia.
FAQ
What is the scientific name of the Indian Peafowl?
The scientific name of the Indian Peafowl is Pavo cristatus.
Where does the Indian Peafowl live?
Deciduous forests and semi-desert areas of India and Sri Lanka.
What does the Indian Peafowl eat?
Omnivore. They eat seeds, insects, fruits, small mammals, and reptiles (including snakes).
How long does the Indian Peafowl live?
The lifespan of the Indian Peafowl is approximately 15-20 years..
