Flamboyant Bird with Colorful Eyes and Elaborate Courtship

If you were to make a list of the most recognizable birds on Earth, the Indian peafowl would definitely be near the top. These flamboyant birds are found throughout the Indian subcontinent, and thanks to introductions in Europe, the Antipodes, the USA, and South Africa, you might not have to travel too far to see their extravagant looks and astonishing courtship displays.

There are actually three species of peafowl: the Indian peafowl, the green peafowl from southeast Asia, and the Congo peafowl. Sadly, the latter two are threatened by habitat loss and hunting.

While most people refer to these birds as peacocks, the correct term is peafowl. “Peacock” specifically refers to the males, while “peahen” refers to the females. The males, with their electric-blue heads and impressive trains, are known for their elaborate courtship displays. The females, on the other hand, are predominantly brown to help them blend into their surroundings while caring for their young.

Peafowl are omnivorous, foraging for seeds, fruits, insects, small reptiles, and even crops on the ground. While they typically form groups of either males or females during the day, these groups mix during the breeding season.

During courtship, the males display their impressive trains to attract females. These displays have been studied extensively and the peacock’s tail is believed to be a result of sexual selection, with only the fittest males able to maintain such long tails. The shaking of their tail feathers helps keep the female’s attention fixed on them during their performance.

The iridescence of a peacock’s feathers comes from the physical structure of the feathers, rather than pigments, ensuring their color never fades. Baby peacocks are called peachicks, and these noisy birds are known for their loud calls that can carry over long distances.

If you’re interested in seeing peafowl in the wild, some great places to visit include Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary in Karnataka, Thattekad Bird Sanctuary in Kerala, Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand, and Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan. So, next time you see these magnificent birds, remember they are peafowl, not just peacocks!