Indian Peafowl

Indian Peafowl Latest News

Orang National Park and Tiger Reserve recently recorded the Indian peafowl (Pavo cristatus) for the first time, adding a new species to the protected area’s biodiversity record and another chapter to Assam’s rich birdlife.

About Indian Peafowl

• Indian peafowl are a species in a group of birds called pheasants. 
• The males are called peacocks, while the females are called peahens. Together, they are peafowl. 
• Scientific Name: Pavo cristatus

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Indian Peafowl Habitat and Distribution

• They are resident breeders across the Indian subcontinent and inhabit the drier lowland areas of Sri Lanka. 
• They are found in moist and dry deciduous forests near water and in montane forests and can also adapt to live in cultivated regions and around human habitations. 
• It is the national bird of India and has a significant cultural and historical presence. 
• The famous peacock throne of the Mughal empire, Jaipur’s enthralling Peacock Gate, and a popular tourist destination, the Peacock temple in Tumkur, Karnataka—the bird has marked its presence across cultures, regions, and beliefs.  

Indian Peafowl Features

• Peafowl are among the largest of all birds that fly.  
• The head and body of adult peafowl range from 3 to 4 feet long, and their tail can be 5 feet long. 
• Males and females show strong physical differences. 
  • Peacock is brightly colored, with a predominantly blue fan-like crest of spatula-tipped wire-like feathers, and is best known for the long train (tail) made up of elongated upper-tail covert feathers, which bear colorful eyespots. 
  • These stiff feathers are raised into a fan and quivered in a display during courtship. 
  • Despite the length and size of these covert feathers, peacocks are still capable of flight. 
  • Peahens lack the train and have a greenish lower neck and duller brown plumage.  
• Diet: Omnivorous; feeds on seeds, grains, fruits, insects, reptiles, and other small animals. 

Indian Peafowl Conservation Status

It is classified as ‘Least Concern‘ under the IUCN Red List.

News: HUB