Description
The Indian Peafowl (commonly “peacock” for the male) is a strikingly colored bird in the pheasant family (Phasianidae). Males display a spectacular tail “fan” of iridescent feathers, each marked with an eye-spot, during courtship rituals.

Key Facts

• Scientific name: Pavo cristatus

• Average size: body length 90–130 cm (excluding tail); tail up to 160 cm

• Weight: 4–6 kg

• Habitat: forests, savannas, parks, agricultural landscapes

Lifestyle
Diurnal, forming small groups or family parties. Males are polygynous, maintaining a harem of several females. They perform an elaborate dance with fully fanned trains to attract mates. At night, they roost in trees to avoid ground predators.

Conservation Status
Least Concern (LC). Wild populations are stable. Protected by law in many countries; the national bird of India.

Range
Native to the Indian subcontinent (India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh); introduced worldwide in parks and zoos.