Indian peafowl
Known for the male's long, eye-patterned train that it spreads like a fan, the Indian peafowl is one of the most spectacular birds in the world. It is India's national bird.
- Longitud
- 0,9–2,3 m
- Peso
- 2,5–6 kg
- Esperanza de vida en libertad
- 15–20 años
- Estado de conservación (UICN)
- Preocupación menor (LC)
Las cifras son aproximadas para adultos y varían según el sexo, la subespecie y la población.
De un vistazo
Los datos clave sobre Pavos reales.
- Where does it live?It lives in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Pakistan and Bangladesh, in open forests, at the edges of farmland and near villages.
- What does it eat?It is an omnivore that eats seeds, grain, fruit, insects, worms, small reptiles and even small snakes.
- Behaviour and social lifePeafowl feed on the ground by day and roost in tall trees at night.
- ChicksThe female usually lays 3–6 eggs in a shallow nest on the ground and incubates them alone.
En detalle
En resumen
- The Indian peafowl is native to India and Sri Lanka.
- The male's showy "tail" is actually a train of back feathers.
- Females prefer males with more impressive displays and feather patterns.
- It is an omnivore that eats seeds, insects and small animals.
- The IUCN lists it as Least Concern.
The Indian peafowl (Pavo cristatus) is a large bird known for the male's brilliant blue neck and long, eye-spotted "tail" feathers. These long feathers are not actually the tail but covert feathers that grow from the lower back; the male spreads them like a fan to display. Females (peahens) are plainer, brownish-grey birds.
Where does it live?
It lives in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Pakistan and Bangladesh, in open forests, at the edges of farmland and near villages. It is also kept as an ornamental bird in parks and gardens around the world.
What does it eat?
It is an omnivore that eats seeds, grain, fruit, insects, worms, small reptiles and even small snakes. It usually forages by walking on the ground.
Behaviour and social life
Peafowl feed on the ground by day and roost in tall trees at night. In the breeding season, males spread and shake their trains to display to females. Their loud, piercing calls carry far and serve as alarm signals.
Chicks
The female usually lays 3–6 eggs in a shallow nest on the ground and incubates them alone. The chicks can walk and follow their mother soon after hatching.
Conservation status
The Indian peafowl is listed as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List. It is legally protected in India, where it is the national bird. Illegal hunting and poisoning from pesticides are problems in some areas.
Fun facts
- The male's long train is shed every year and grows back.
- The brilliant colours in its feathers come not from pigment but from light being scattered by the feather structure.
- Peafowl can fly short distances and spend the night in trees.
Animales similares
Otros animales del mismo grupo.
Respeto por la naturaleza, mañanas más fuertes
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Si encuentras un animal silvestre herido o una cría, no lo toques y avisa a la autoridad local de protección de la naturaleza. Más conocimiento, más conciencia.
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- Observa a los animales desde lejos
- No dejes basura en la naturaleza
- Apoya un futuro sostenible
