Indian Peafowl

The Indian Peafowl is one of the most colourful and beautiful birds.  It is native to the Indian Subcontinent.  They are spread over in forest areas, rural areas as well as some green pockets of urban areas.  While in the forest they act as the sentries giving out 'danger' calls when they see a large preying animals.  In villages they are mostly known as pests and cause a havoc in the fields.  But at the same time they control the insects and other pests as it forms a part of their diet.  The Peafowls adapt to all types of landforms and are found everywhere and become a pleasant sight to behold for everyone due to its splendour and beauty.

Precisely, that is the reason that it was elevated to the title of the National Bird in 1963 by the Government of India. The male bird is the Peacock and the female bird is Peahen.  

Mythologically, Pecocks hold a very distinct and important position as the vehicle of Goddess Saraswati, the Goddess of Learning and Lord Kartikeya, the God of War.  And how can we forget the most adorable Lord Krishna with a peacock feathers in his crown.  Mayur is the Sanskrit name of the Peacock and the regional names are Mor, Mara, Mayur, Mayil and many more.

The Peacock has the iconic blue colour with the a long train of feathers with beautiful colours.  While they are dancing they display the long train of feathers in a fan like arrangement and show off their plumage.  That is the most striking marvellous thing about the Peacock.  In comparison, the Peahen looks much simpler, with a shiny green hue on the neck and a light brown body.  These are large birds so they nest on the ground and roost on the trees.









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