Indian Peafowl

1. Males have a vibrant blue neck and head with a long, ornate train of feathers.

2. Females are mostly brown with a greenish neck and no train.

3. Both sexes feature a fan-shaped crest atop the head.

Indian Peafowl are primarily ground-dwelling, foraging for seeds, berries, insects, and small reptiles. They form small groups and are most active in the early morning and late afternoon, often seeking cover during the heat of the day. At night, they roost in tall trees or occasionally on buildings. Males are famous for their loud, piercing calls, particularly during the breeding season, and for their dramatic courtship displays, where they fan and vibrate their trains to attract females. Juveniles stay close to the female, blending into their surroundings for protection.

In Australia, Indian Peafowl are established in regions of Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia, and South Australia, particularly on Kangaroo Island. They are most often encountered around rural properties, hobby farms, and occasionally in bushland adjacent to settlements. Their preferred habitats include areas near agriculture, open woodlands, and patches of native vegetation, especially where water and roosting trees are available`.`

The Indian Peafowl is the national bird of India and holds a prominent place in Indian culture and mythology. In Australia it is regarded as an introduced species, with populations stemming from deliberate releases and escapes from captivity.