Facts, Information, Scientific Name of Indian Peacock
Let us learn about the Bird that is feisty as they hunt during their flight but also are romantic singers.
A fan-shaped Tail and Fan-shaped Crest,
At mating season my feathers’ look the best.
Name – Indian Peacock, Common Peafowl.
Scientific Name– Pavocristatus
Size– 115cm
Distribution and Habitat
In moist or dry deciduous forests or near human habitations where there is plenty of water available you will find a bird with a unique blue crest-feather walking, hopping, and Roosting on trees. This unique crest feathered bird is called Indian Peacock and Indian Peahen, which is Female. Indian Peacock is found in Indian Subcontinent and Srilanka. It is introduced to many countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, South Africa, Italy, etc.
Appearance in Peacock and Peahen.
Both Indian Peacock and Indian Peahen have crest feathers.
Indian peacocks have Blue plumage with a white and black patch around the throat and eyes. Tail is the peculiarity of the Indian Peacock. The tail has long green feathers with colourful eyespots which include blue, brown and green colour. The long Tail feathers are also known as ‘Train’ feathers.
Indian Peahen has a Rufous Brown head with the same crest feathers as of male, but are chestnut and green in colour. Tail feathers are Dark brown. The neck region of Peahen is metallic green and the breast region is dark brown.
How does Indian Peacock appear so colourful?
Indian peacocks are initially Brown. But the feathers consist of ‘Barbules’ which are fibre-like substances that implement the unique colouration.
The Barbules contain 2D photons crystals structures which are present on feathers and interfere with the light that results in the reflection of Blue, Turquoise and Green colour. This colour is known as ‘Iridescence’.
Food-
Indian Peacock is an Omnivore. It feeds on plants, flower petals, seeds and also Reptiles, frogs, Insects. Peacocks scratch the leaf litter in the forest and look for their Food in the morning or Dusk.
Reproduction –
The mating season of Peacocks starts at end of February and continues till August. Indian Peahen roams different territories of Males and inspects the ‘Train’ plumage of different males. Peacocks, on the other hand, are busy showing off their beautiful fan-shaped tail and make them more attractive by shaking, dancing and producing rattling noise from plumage.
Nest is located on the ground and made with dry sticks and leaves. Peahen lays 6-10 eggs. The incubation period is of 30 days. Peacock chicks will learn to fly a week after they hatch. Young fledge in 3 weeks. Male and female chicks look similar until the male develops ‘Train feathers’ in 3 years.
Ecological Importance –
Indian Peacock and Indian Peahen keep a check on the insects, Snakes and Frog population, by consumption.
- Also See – King Quail