Peacock
Peacocks, more appropriately called peafowl, are large pheasants, family Phasianidae
The term peafowl can refer to the two species of bird in the genus Pavo of the pheasant family, Phasianidae. The African Congo Peafowl is placed in its own genus Afropavo and is not dealt with here. Peafowl are best known for the male's extravagant tail, which it displays as part of courtship. The male is called a peacock, the female a peahen, though it is common to hear the female also referred to as a "peacock" or "female peacock". The female peafowl is brown or toned grey and brown.
The The two speciesare:
•Indian Peafowl, Pavo cristatus (Asiatic)
•Green Peafowl, Pavo muticus (Asiatic)
The Indian Peafowl is a resident breeder in the Indian subcontinent. The peacock is designated as the nationa lbird of India.
The Green Peafowl breeds from Burma east to Java. The IUCN lists the Green Peafowl as vulnerable to extinction due to hunting and a reduction in extent and quality of habitat.
The peafowl are forest birds that nest on the ground. The Pavo peafowl are terrestrial feeders but roost in trees.
Both species of Peafowl are believed to be polygamous. However, it has been suggested that "females" entering a male Green Peafowl's territory are really his own juvenile or subadult young (K. B. Woods in litt. 2000) and that Green Peafowl are really monogamous in the wild. Those who subscribe to this notion cite the similarities between the sexes.
During mating season they will often emit a very loud high pitched cry.
Peafowl are omnivorous and eat plant parts, flower petals, seed heads, insects and other arthropods, reptiles, and amphibians.
In common with other members of the Galli formes, males possess metatarsal spurs or "thorns" used primarily during intraspecific fights.
Asiatic peafowl like the Indian Blue Peafowl and especially the Green Peafowl occupy a similar niche as the roadrunners, secretary bird, and seriema. All of these birds hunt for small animals including arthropods on the ground and tall grass and minnows in shallow streams.
Because of human encroachment into their natural territories, peafowl and humans have come into increasing contact. Because of their natural beauty some are reluctant to classify the birds as pests, but their presence can be disturbing.
The The two speciesare:
•Indian Peafowl, Pavo cristatus (Asiatic)
•Green Peafowl, Pavo muticus (Asiatic)
The Indian Peafowl is a resident breeder in the Indian subcontinent. The peacock is designated as the nationa lbird of India.
The Green Peafowl breeds from Burma east to Java. The IUCN lists the Green Peafowl as vulnerable to extinction due to hunting and a reduction in extent and quality of habitat.
The peafowl are forest birds that nest on the ground. The Pavo peafowl are terrestrial feeders but roost in trees.
Both species of Peafowl are believed to be polygamous. However, it has been suggested that "females" entering a male Green Peafowl's territory are really his own juvenile or subadult young (K. B. Woods in litt. 2000) and that Green Peafowl are really monogamous in the wild. Those who subscribe to this notion cite the similarities between the sexes.
During mating season they will often emit a very loud high pitched cry.
Peafowl are omnivorous and eat plant parts, flower petals, seed heads, insects and other arthropods, reptiles, and amphibians.
In common with other members of the Galli formes, males possess metatarsal spurs or "thorns" used primarily during intraspecific fights.
Asiatic peafowl like the Indian Blue Peafowl and especially the Green Peafowl occupy a similar niche as the roadrunners, secretary bird, and seriema. All of these birds hunt for small animals including arthropods on the ground and tall grass and minnows in shallow streams.
Because of human encroachment into their natural territories, peafowl and humans have come into increasing contact. Because of their natural beauty some are reluctant to classify the birds as pests, but their presence can be disturbing.
The peacock is the national bird of India. The species is found in dry semi-desert grasslands, scrub and deciduous forests. It eats insects, fruits, seeds, berries, drupes small mammals and reptiles. The peacock represents beauty, pride and grace. The Indian male Peafowl is known as Peacock and female known as Peahen. Peacock is the most noticeable bird. The peacock is characterized by an extraordinary crest and colored train. The feathers in the train are having spots like eyes. The train consisted of more than 60% of the total body. The truth about the beauty of peacock is world renowned but their voice is extremely harsh. The male of this species is more beautiful. They expand their feathers in the months of monsoon and dance which added more to its beauty. The sight of dancing of peacock is very gorgeous. Peacock had a major role in mythology. It was considered that God Kartik, rides on its back and also feather of peacock lies in the Lord Krishana`s Crown. Peacocks are protected under the Indian wildlife protection act, 1972. The population of peacock is maximum in the arid zone of Rajasthan
When does a peacock display its feathers
Peacock has a beautiful train of feathers which he displays during the breeding season. It usually attracts several females by such display but as soon as any of them approchaches it turns its back. The reason for this peculiar behaviour is not clear. But it is certain that this is done to woo the female. In greek mythology the pattern of the peacock tail feather represents the eyes of Argus a giant with 100 eyes. Peacock is the national bird of India. It belongs to the family phasianidae. The male is a peacock and the female is a peahen. Both are together known as peafowl.
