One of the most beautiful, yet incredibly common species of peafowl is the ‘Pavo Cristatus’ – also known as ‘Blue Peafowl’ or ‘Indian Peafowl’. They are the biggest, heaviest, and oldest members of the Phasianidae family.
Indian Peafowls weigh around 4-6 kg on average. The female peahens tend to be smaller in size, with their average size ranging from 100-115cm, and have slightly lower body mass than the male peacocks.
Origin
These peacocks are known to have originated from the Indian Subcontinent. Some Historians suggest that Alexander The Great had introduced Indian peafowl to Europe for the first time, and by 450 C.E, these peacocks had spread to the lands of Athens.
Habitat
Over the years, Indian peafowls have adapted themselves to comfortably live around human habitations. Some love to stay in grasslands, some in scrublands, and others in dry-deciduous forests.
Today, they are commonly seen in the dry lowlands of Sri Lanka and South India, such as the national parks and zoos. They also happen to inhabit different parts of many European countries such as Italy and Germany.
Physical Features
The head of a typical Indian peafowl exhibits a vibrant blue color. The long train feathers at the back have bluish-green patterns resembling eyespots, ranging up to six feet in length.
Just like a Mohawk, the peafowls have straight wire-like feathers on the crown. The dark blue and green colors in the peacock’s body are evident because of a pigment called melanin in the feathers.
Behavioral Features
Apart from being capable of flight, these peacocks are omnivorous in nature. They feed on certain fruits like berries, grains, seeds, nuts, worms, and insects. These birds also prey on amphibians and reptiles like snakes and lizards.
Male Indian peafowls are widely known for their blaring calls and their excessive breeding plumage. If they make piercing loud calls at night, it basically indicates there is a danger (predator) nearby. However, if they make these calls in daylight, it’s simply because they are trying to attract another peahen.
Generally, these birds rest at night on the branches of trees. When it’s time to lay eggs, the peahens will scrape holes on the ground.
Other Facts
- It takes a minimum of three years for Indian peafowls to fully develop their tail plumage to attract mates
- They were declared the national birds of India in 1963, and are considered a symbol of immortality in Greek mythology
- After these peahens become too old and start to lose estrogen, they sound and look more like male peacocks
- Indian Peafowls, after mating season is over, shed their train feathers
- The train feathers make up 60% of their bodies
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