Indian Peafowl

The Indian peafowl, also known as the common peafowl or blue peafowl, is a species native to the Indian subcontinent. It is a bird of resplendent beauty, with the male, or peacock, showcasing a spectacular array of iridescent colors. The peacock's most striking feature is its fan-like crest of spatula-tipped wire-like feathers and the long train made up of elongated upper-tail covert feathers adorned with colorful eyespots. These feathers can be raised into a fan and quivered during courtship displays. Despite their size, peacocks are capable of flight. The female, or peahen, is more subdued in coloration, with a white face, iridescent green lower neck, and overall dull brown plumage.

Identification Tips

The Indian peafowl is unmistakable within its range. The male has a metallic blue crown, a fan-shaped crest, and a spectacular train with eye-spot markings. The peahen is smaller, with a rufous-brown head, mottled upper body, and dark brown lower parts. The loud "pia-ow" or "may-awe" calls are distinctive and often indicate the presence of predators.

Habitat

Indian peafowl are ground-dwelling birds that prefer open forest or land under cultivation. They are adaptable and can be found near water sources in both moist and dry-deciduous forests.

Distribution

Native to the Indian subcontinent, the Indian peafowl has been introduced to many other countries. It thrives mainly below elevations of 1,800 meters, occasionally being spotted up to 2,000 meters.

Behaviour

Peafowl are known for their social behavior, foraging on the ground in small groups. They are adept at escaping predators by running and prefer to roost in tall trees at night. The peacock's elaborate train is used in courtship displays, although the exact mechanisms of sexual selection are still debated.

Song & Calls

The Indian peafowl is vocal, with a variety of calls. The most common are loud "pia-ow" or "may-awe," which increase in frequency before the monsoon season. They also emit rapid "ka-aan" or "kok-kok" calls and a low-pitched "honk" when agitated.

Breeding

Peafowl are polygamous, with the breeding season varying by region but often linked to the rains. The peahen incubates a clutch of 4-8 eggs, with chicks that are nidifugous, following the mother shortly after hatching.

Similar Species

The Indian peafowl is similar to the green peafowl but can be distinguished by its size, color, and the shape of the crest.

Diet and Feeding

Omnivorous, Indian peafowl consume a variety of foods including berries, grains, and small prey like snakes, lizards, and rodents. They forage on the ground and can adapt to a wide range of crops and food scraps around human habitations.

Conservation status

The Indian peafowl is listed as of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, with a population estimated to be over 100,000. However, illegal poaching and habitat loss pose threats to wild populations.