Peacock
- Class: Birds (Aves)
- Order: Gallinaceous birds (Galliformes)
- Family: Pheasants (Phasianidae)
- Genus: Pavo
- Species: Pavo cristatus
Size
Peafowls weigh between 4 to 6 kg, females 2.7 to 4 kg. Only males possess long tails.
Ecology
The peafowl, commonly known as a ‘peacock’, is native to South Asia and subsequently has been introduced in parks and gardens around the world. It occurs in small groups, often with a single male and 3 to 5 females. The peacock (male) is characterized by a tail, which when raised and opened in territorial assertions, reveals a large fan-shaped display of vividly coloured green-blue feathers. These decorative tail feathers fully develop at 3 years of age, and continue to be moulted by the bird annually. Despite this seemingly cumbersome appendage, peacocks are able to take to flight immediately if alarmed, and roost in trees. The peahen’s feather colourings are comparatively mottled, and much shorter than those of the male. The loud call of the peacock alarms them and the other animals in the forest of approaching danger.
Food habits
Peafowls feed on seeds, berries, insects and small snakes. Longevity Peacocks live 15 years in the wild, and 20 years in zoos.
Reproduction
During courtship displays, the peacock regularly unfolds his coloured tail in order to impress the hen. If successful, he mates with her and in spring, the peahen begins to build a nest on the ground amongst dense vegetation. She lays 4 to 8 eggs, incubation taking 28 days, after which she remains with her chicks for a further 8 months.
Conservation status
The peafowl is protected in its natural habitat, and it is forbidden to export peacock feathers out of India. Furthermore, since the peafowl is such a common ornamental bird all over the world it is not considered endangered.
