The Indian peafowl, 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".
Region
South Asia
Typical Environment
Native across much of the Indian subcontinent, including India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Pakistan, with introduced populations in many other countries. It favors open forests, dry and moist deciduous woodland, scrublands, and agricultural mosaics near water. The species readily uses village edges, orchards, and field margins and roosts in tall trees for safety at night. It generally avoids dense evergreen rainforest and very high elevations.
Altitude Range
0–2000 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 3/5
The Indian peafowl is the national bird of India and is famed for the male’s spectacular train used in courtship displays. It adapts well to human-altered landscapes and often thrives near villages and farms. Peafowl can help control pests by eating insects and small reptiles. They have been introduced widely outside their native range as ornamental birds.
Head of a male Indian peafowl, showing his fan shaped crest
Close-up of the tail covert, showing the distinct eye-spot
The Indian peafowl is found across bushy lands in India and Sri Lanka. Pictured is a female with chicks.
An Indian peacock in flight
A male courting a female
Egg from the collection of Museum Wiesbaden
A peahen with chicks
Abott Thayer's painting (1907)
Close up of the open train of an Indian peacock, showing his eye-spots
A male Indian peafowl at Yala National Park in Sri Lanka
Kartikeya with his consorts riding a peacock, painting by Raja Ravi Varma
Temperament
social and wary
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with glides
Social Behavior
Typically forms small groups; males display to multiple females in loose leks during the breeding season. Nests are shallow ground scrapes hidden in vegetation. Roosting is communal in tall trees. Males are polygynous and vigorously defend display sites.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Loud, far-carrying calls, often rendered as a ringing “kee-ow,” especially at dawn, dusk, and during the monsoon. Males also produce rattling and rustling sounds during train-shaking displays.
