Blue Peafowl

Habitat

Found on the forest floor of open woodland, but they will also inhabit farmland and more urban areas.

Wild Diet

Grain, seeds, berries, insects, snakes and mice.

Behaviour

The peacock is in fact the male bird of the blue peafowl and is appreciated throughout the world for its beauty. The male birds are known for their fabulous displays of their tail feathers – over 200 of them in brilliant colours – which stretch out as a fan around their body and are used to attract females in courtship. The female bird, or peahen, has mottled brown feathers and attracts a lot less attention than the males. The peafowl is the largest member of the pheasant and turkey family, and originates from the forests of India and Sri Lanka. They are ground feeders but they roost in the trees at night, escaping many predators that hunt on the forest floor. When a predator is spotted, the birds use loud shrieking cries and honking noises to warn others of the danger.

Breeding

4-6 thick-shelled, creamy-white eggs are laid in a hollow scrape in the ground.

Threats

Predators of peafowl include tigers and leopards. In some areas they are hunted due to being viewed as a crop pest, but this is not enough to significantly reduce numbers.

Conservation

Peafowl are protected in many areas of their range, due to their spectacular appearance and religious associations. This is particularly true in India, as they are considered sacred by Hindus.