The Indian peafowl, also known as the common peafowl or blue peafowl, is a species native to the Indian subcontinent. It is a bird of resplendent beauty, with the male, or peacock, showcasing a spectacular array of iridescent colors. The peacock's most striking feature is its fan-like crest of spatula-tipped wire-like feathers and the long train made up of elongated upper-tail covert feathers adorned with colorful eyespots. These feathers can be raised into a fan and quivered during courtship displays. Despite their size, peacocks are capable of flight. The female, or peahen, is more subdued in coloration, with a white face, iridescent green lower neck, and overall dull brown plumage.
The Indian peafowl is unmistakable within its range. The male has a metallic blue crown, a fan-shaped crest, and a spectacular train with eye-spot markings. The peahen is smaller, with a rufous-brown head, mottled upper body, and dark brown lower parts. The loud "pia-ow" or "may-awe" calls are distinctive and often indicate the presence of predators.
Indian peafowl are ground-dwelling birds that prefer open forest or land under cultivation. They are adaptable and can be found near water sources in both moist and dry-deciduous forests.
Native to the Indian subcontinent, the Indian peafowl has been introduced to many other countries. It thrives mainly below elevations of 1,800 meters, occasionally being spotted up to 2,000 meters.
