Indian peafowl
Pavo cristatus
The Indian peafowl (Pavo cristatus), also known as the common peafowl, or blue peafowl, is a species of peafowl native to the Indian subcontinent.
About the Indian peafowl
The Indian peafowl (Pavo cristatus), also known as the common peafowl, or blue peafowl, is a species of peafowl native to the Indian subcontinent. While it originated in the Indian subcontinent, it has since been introduced to many other parts of the world. Male peafowl are referred to as peacocks, and female peafowl are referred to as peahens, although both sexes are often referred to colloquially as a "peacock". The Indian peafowl displays a marked form of sexual dimorphism. The brightly coloured male has a blue coloured head with a fan-shaped crest and is best known for his long train. The train is made up of elongated upper-tail covert feathers with colourful eyespots. These stiff feathers are raised into a fan and quivered in a display during courtship. The peahen is predominantly bro
Fun Facts About Indian peafowl
- In the 20th century, Amotz Zahavi argued that the train was a handicap, and that males were honestly signalling their fitness in proportion to the splendour of their trains.
- It forages on the ground in small groups and usually escapes on foot through undergrowth and avoids flying, though it flies into tall trees to roost.
- These stiff feathers are raised into a fan and quivered in a display during courtship.
- The train is made up of elongated upper-tail covert feathers with colourful eyespots.
- The peahen is predominantly brown in colour, with a white face and iridescent green lower neck, and lacks the elaborate train.
Conservation Status
The Indian peafowl is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. This species is currently stable and not at significant risk of population decline.
Taxonomy & Classification
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Phasianidae |
| Genus | Pavo |
| Species | Pavo cristatus |
Range & Habitat
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Other species in the Phasianidae family: