Peacock (Indian Peafowl)

General Information- Peacock is a colorful bird commonly found in India. Peacock is famous worldwide due its colorful feathers and the rain dance. The male is called a peacock, the female a peahen, and the offspring peachicks. The Indian Peafowl is found mainly on the ground in open forest or on land under cultivation where they forage for berries, grains but will also prey on snakes, lizards, and small rodents. Their loud calls make them easy to detect, and in forest areas often indicate the presence of a predator such as a tiger. Peacock cannot flight at high altitudes and even cannot flight for longer distances, instead of that peacock can run fast to protect himself from the enemies. Peacock can fly for smaller distances with lower heights from one tree to another. Most of the time peacock presents on the ground for searching of food and water. Small bushes are the favorite locations of peacock as they provide shelter from the other animals. During mating seasons the male attracts the female by showing her the beautiful feathers. In India, it is believed that when rain comes, peacock starts dancing with feather show because peacock likes rain very much.

Nest- Peafowl are forest birds that nest on the ground but roost in trees. The nest is made of grass and tree branches. Generally we cannot find the nest easily because it is located in the roots of the trees.

Eggs- Peacock can lay 4 – 5 eggs at a time. Eggs are white in color. Around 28 days are required for hatching the eggs. Hatching is done by female.

Food habits- Peafowl are omnivorous and eat seeds, insects, fruits, small mammals and reptiles. They also eat crops such as groundnut, tomato, paddy, chilly and even bananas.

Life Span- Average 20 years.