From Indian national animal to Indian national bird. Peacock refers to the male peafowl. They are found in Indian sub continent and in some parts in Sri lanka.
Though most of us use the term to describe both male and female peafowl. Technically peacock is the male peafowl. And the female peafowl is called peahen. Here in this blog peacocks are referred to peafowls unless stated otherwise. There are 3 known sub species of peacocks(peafowls) viz. Indian or blue peafowl, green peafowl and Congo peafowl.
Scientific name: Pavo cristatus
Only the male species have tail feathers or plumage females donot have these. These feathers are not present since birth. They developed after 2 years and is becomes fully developed after 4 years. Each tail feather has a eye like spot and it is called oscellus.
The tail makes 60% of the body length of the peacock.
They have a crested head.
They are social animal and requires companionship.
The male peacock can be of 4-6kgs and female is of 2-4kgsin weight.
They are among one of the largest flying birds. The wing span is about 4.6-5 feet.
Peacocks are polygamous i.e, they mate with one than one female. They have a harem of 2 to 3 females. To persuade females peacock raise their tail feathers and create a fan like structure.
The Congo peafowl doe snot have the train of feathers.
Indian peahens are largely brown, which allows them to blend into surrounding vegetation and avoid detection by predators.
Peafowls are omnivorous i.e, they eat both meat and vegetables. The meal consists of berries, seeds, leaves, insects, small mammals and reptiles.
They are one of loudest birds and can produce many vocalizations. The frequency of calling is increased in the monsoon season. In the wild their calls indicates the presence of some predator like tiger.
Their main predators are tigers, leopards, Mangoos. They fly and hide in trees when threatened. They spend on the trees in the night.
The average lifespan is about twenty years.
There are no blue or green pigment is present in the tail feathers of a male peacock. The color comes from reflecting light at some particular angles.
Peacock is celebrated in Indian and Greek mythology.
IUCN Red list lists Indian Peacocks as least concerned. Wheres the green peafowl is endangered and Congo peafowl is vulnerable as per the list.
What do you think about the peacocks(peafowls). Express your views.
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