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Indian Blue
Peafowl;
Peacocks Pavo cristatus Family: Phasianidae |
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One of two species of peafowl, the other is the Java Green. The Indian Blue consists of several subspecies and domestic breeds. The natural range of the species includes the Indian subcontinent through Sri Lanka. The male, or peacock, has the striking plumage. The elongated upper tail feathers are the ones that are used in courtship displays as the "spreading fan". These feathers are molted at the end of the breeding season in May – June, and grow back by the next season. In
young males the adult plumage develops in their second year, but the
elongated tail plumage becomes evident in the third year and increases in
length thereafter. The peahen also has beautiful plumage, but it is
not as strikingly colored and doesn't develop the elongated tail feathers of
the peacock.
These
birds are found in groups of one male with several hens usually in open
terrain with jungle or thick vegetation nearby. They are omnivorous in
feeding habit and are reported to be especially fond of small reptiles,
specifically young cobras. The white peafowl is an albino form of the Blue peafowl, and this condition is a recessive trait. White peafowl are fairly common, as they have been bred as a separate race for a long period of time. The chicks of the white peafowl are not as hardy as the Blue chicks and require more care. Our peafowl have the run of the zoo and often surprise visitors when they are seen flying or perching on roof tops. They can live 30 years. |
Because of this feeding behavior, Indian
villagers will raise the peafowl or protect the wild birds to provide snake
control around the village.