Peacock

Peacocks are among the most magnificent birds we know: with their train-like tail feathers and iridescent colors, they are unmistakable.

Characteristics

What does a peacock look like?

Peacocks belong to the order Galliformes and there to the family of pheasants. The peacock known to us is called the common or blue peacock. The males, in particular, are immediately recognizable: their tail feathers, which are up to 150 centimeters long and have a pattern reminiscent of eyes, are almost unique in the bird world.

These tail feathers are greatly elongated upper tail-coverts. The male can set them up in a wheel. This makes the bird look even more impressive. The actual tail is much shorter: it measures only 40 to 45 centimeters. The males are bright blue in color on the neck, chest, and abdomen. Overall, they are up to two meters long and weigh between four and six kilograms. There is a large, crescent-shaped white spot under the eyes

The females are smaller: they are no more than one meter tall and weigh between two and four kilograms. They are also much less colorful: their plumage is predominantly greenish-grey. They have an inconspicuous pattern and do not have a long tail. Males and females wear a crown of feathers on their heads.

Where does a peacock live?

The peacock is native to India and Sri Lanka. Today it can be found as an ornamental bird all over the world. In the wild, peacocks mostly inhabit hilly terrain in the jungle. They prefer places near bodies of water. During the day they usually hide in the dense forest. In the morning and in the evening they leave the forest and look for food in fields and meadows. Because they are very site-loyal, they like to be kept free in parks

What types of peacocks are there?

The green peafowl lives in Southeast Asia. It is so closely related to the blue peacock that the species can be interbred. The blue peacock is less closely related to the Congo peacock from Central Africa. There are two breeds in captivity: the black-winged peacock and the white peacock.

How old does a peacock get?

Peacocks can live up to 30 years.

Behave

How does a peacock live?

Peacocks have always impressed people: They were brought from India to the Mediterranean region as ornamental birds as early as 4000 years ago. In India, peacocks are revered as sacred and highly valued because they eat cobra snakes. That is why they are kept in villages.

Peacocks are social birds. A male usually lives with about five hens – which he jealously guards. Peacocks have relatively long legs. That’s why it looks like they’re strutting. Despite their size and long tail, they can fly. In case of danger, they rise into the air, flee into the bushes or seek protection in a tree. They also spend the night in trees for a bit of protection from predators.

The animals are very alert. With their loud cries, they not only warn their fellow animals, but also other animals of dangerous predators. In captivity, peacocks can become very trusting, while wild peacocks are very shy.

Friends and foes of the peacock

In the wild, peacocks often fall prey to leopards and tigers. In some areas, they are also hunted by humans for their meat.

How does the peacock reproduce?

In India, peacocks tend to breed during the rainy season. When the males present their magnificent tails arranged in a wheel to the females, they signal: I am the prettiest and the best partner. Whoever has the most and most magnificent eyespots has the best chance with the females. After mating, the female lays three to five white to pale yellow colored eggs, which she incubates for 27 to 30 days. The nest is well hidden in bushes, sometimes in the branches of trees. From time to time they also nest in abandoned buildings.

The chicks wear a light brown downy dress, they are a little darker on the upper side. At first, they seek shelter under the mother’s tail. When they are a little older they are colored like the female peacocks. After about a month, her crown of feathers will grow.

The males don’t get their bright plumage and long tail feathers until they are three years old. These only reach their full length when the birds are six years old. But even as chicks, peacocks practice cartwheels: they tremble their little wings and raise their tiny tail feathers.

How do peacocks communicate?

All year-round, but especially during the mating season, males and females let out their shrill, bloodcurdling screams day and night. However, the males cry much more frequently than the females.