indian_peafowl

Characteristics
• Total Body Length:  male = 7.5 feet, including the tail; female = 2-3 feet
               Length of male’s train = 4.5-5 feet (60% of total body length)
               Wingspan = 4.5-5 feet
               Weight:  male = 8-13 pounds; female = 6-8 pounds
• Both the male and the female have a fan-shaped set, known as the crest, of spatula tipped wire-like
feathers on top of their head.  Their eyes are a dark, hazel brown. The facial skin is white. The beak and
legs are brown.
• The female is mottled brown and dull looking, has a white belly, and lacks a train.  She has green neck
feathers.
• The male has a radiant blue neck and breast.  They also have a metallic bronze green train, spotted with
purplish-black markings also known as eyespots or ocelli.  The train on the male is used for display to
entice the female to mate with him.
• Lifespan: In the Wild 20-24 years; In Captivity  same

Behaviors
• Indian peafowl stay in small flocks (harems) of 1 peacock (male) and 3-5 peahens (females).
• Peafowl run more than they fly.  The only time they fly is when they have to cross a river or ravine,
when trying to escape predators, and to roost up in trees.
• They forage in the early morning and shortly before sunset.  In the morning they will bask on rock
heaps or haystacks.  They retreat to the shade and security of the forest for the hottest part of the day.
• Peafowl physically interact with each other usually during territorial disputes.  They will attack each
other with their beaks and claws, chasing and pecking at each other.
• Peafowl warn each other when danger approaches with loud, shrieking cries and honks.  They also call
during mating season.
• They usually roost in the same tree every night.  They fly to the top branches of dead trees just a little
after sunset and leave just before sunrise.
• Enrichments at the Zoo:  various insects, fruit