Indian Peafowl

Lifestyle

India’s national bird prefers to dwell in forests along rivers and streams, as well as bushy territory and cultivated areas. Peafowl roost together in tall trees, with as many as 100 birds in just a few trees. They are ground feeders, and forage early in the morning in small groups. Their favorite sites are open area, especially sugarcane fields. The middle of the day is mostly down time, for drinking water, preening, and just hanging out in the shade. The birds occupy a small home range, and usually have roosts close to their foraging sites.

Food

Peafowl are omnivores. They will eat everything from berries and seeds to insects and small reptiles and mammals. They also graze on grass, flowers, and rice.

Life Cycle

Breeding season in India usually coincides with the wet season. A male peacock may have a harem of females. He courts them by turning up his tail coverts and shaking the plumage wildly. He also sings in loud tones of “ow-aaa, ow-aaa, ow-aaa!” Peahens choose their mate on the quality of the display. They lay three to six eggs and incubate their clutch for about a month in a well-hidden nest. The young birds are able to fly after 20 days and can get up to adult roosting sites after two months. Males get their full plumage after three years, but it may continue growing into their sixth year.

Some of My Neighbors

Leopard, Asian elephant, Bengal tiger, water buffalo, mongoose, antelope

Population Status & Threats

Peafowl are common in many parts of their range and not considered to be threatened, although some populations are in decline.

WCS Conservation Efforts

WCS has worked with the Centre for Wildlife Studies (CWS), Bangalore since 1984 as the major partner for research, conservation, and capacity-building projects in India.

WCS has held more than 50 field training workshops in 14 sites across India. More than 1,000 volunteers, including forest department staff, amateur naturalists, wildlife enthusiasts, wildlife activists, teachers, and students have participated.