Quick Facts
- Type
- Bird
- Size
- 100–115 cm body; train up to 1.5 m
- Weight
- 4–6 kg
- Habitat
- Forests and farmland of the Indian subcontinent
- Diet
- Seeds, insects, small reptiles, and plants
- Active Time
- Active by day (diurnal)
- Lifespan
- 10–25 years
Field Notes
- Only the males have the famous train; it can make up over half the bird's length.
- The 'eyespots' on the train shimmer because of microscopic crystal-like structures.
- Peafowl give loud alarm calls that other animals use as a warning of predators.
About the Indian Peafowl
The Indian peafowl, native to the Indian subcontinent, is famous for the male's spectacular train of iridescent feathers marked with eye-like spots. During courtship the peacock fans this shimmering train and rattles it to attract peahens, who are a more subdued brown. Despite the train's size, peafowl are strong fliers over short distances and roost in trees at night. They are ground-feeding omnivores and have a loud, far-carrying call. The species is the national bird of India and revered in many cultures.
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