Indian Peafowl
The Indian peafowl, commonly known as the peacock, is a large and brilliantly coloured bird native to the Indian subcontinent and the national bird of India. The male's extravagant iridescent tail — technically an 'upper tail covert' — can reach 1.5 metres long and is used in elaborate courtship displays. Peafowls are omnivorous and strongly associated with Indian forests, farmland, and temples.
Average Length
2.3 m (including train)
Average Weight
5 kg
Lifespan
15-20 years
Top Speed
16 km/h (running)
Quick Facts
The Indian peafowl is the national bird of India.
Only the male (peacock) has the iconic iridescent tail display feathers; females (peahens) are brown.
The elaborate train is not actually the tail but elongated upper tail covert feathers.
They are found in almost every Indian national park and are sacred in Hindu culture.
Habitat & Range
Habitats
Regions
Behavior & Reproduction
Activity Pattern
Diurnal
Social Structure
Males display to harems of females
Gestation Period
28 days incubation
Litter Size
5
Predators
Tigers, Leopards, Dholes, Mongooses
