Indian Peafowl

Pavo cristatus

Genus · Peafowl Family · Pheasants, Grouse, and Allies
Observation tips Difficulty: EASY
Best time
🕒 Any
Activity
☀️ Diurnal
Best months
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Observation habitat
LawnsLow tree branchesPark alleys

Most common in managed parks. Listen for the loud, cat-like screaming call.

Indian Peafowl

♂ Male · ♀ Female

Stats
Wingspan130–160 cm
Weight2750–6000 g
Length90–230 cm
Lifespan wild10–20 yrs
Size
XS
S
M
L
XL
Nesting
Nest typeScrape
Clutch size4–8 eggs
Incubation28–30 days
Breeding months
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Regional Status (Europe)
LC
Least Concern (Europe)
IUCN Red List
MigrationResident
Social BehaviourHarem-forming

Diet: Omnivore

🫐Berries
🦗Insects
🍃Plants
🦎Reptiles
🌻Seeds

Habitat

🌳 Forest deciduous🏡 Garden🏜️ Scrub wasteland🏙️ Urban
✦ Fun Fact

The 'eyes' on a peacock's tail are not made of pigment. They contain microscopic structures that reflect light to create iridescent colors.

About

Originally from South Asia, the Peafowl is now a common ornamental bird in European parks and estates. Some regions have semi-feral populations. It is one of the most spectacular birds in the world. The male has a massive train of feathers that he can fan out in a dazzling display.

Behaviour

Peafowls live on the ground but roost in high trees at night for safety. During the breeding season, the male 'shivers' his magnificent train. This creates a rustling sound and a shimmering effect to attract females. They are famously loud and have a piercing, trumpet-like 'may-awe' call. They eat seeds, insects, and small snakes.

Sexual Dimorphism

♂ Male

Has a brilliant metallic blue head and neck with a fan-shaped crest. He possesses the famous long green-and-gold train with iridescent eye-looking ornament.

♀ Female

Mainly brown with a white belly and a green iridescent patch on the neck. She lacks the long train, which helps her stay camouflaged while nesting.

Similar species

Common Pheasant
🐦
Common Pheasant
Phasianus colchicus
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