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Peacock |
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Bird Breeds:
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DESCRIPTION
783/4 to 90 inches (200 to 229cm). Male known for
its long train consisting of elongated uppertail coverts that can be spread
into dazzling fan by raising tail beneath. Neck and breast deep bright
blue, lower back bronze-green with scallops and uppertail coverts bronze-green
with purplish and black in centre, rump black. Copper-coloured eyes, face
white and black, fan-shaped crest of wiry feathers. Female 34 inches (86cm).
Head crested as male and nape rufous brown, upperparts brown, mottled
paler; primaries brown; lower neck metallic green, breast buff glossed
green, belly buffy white. Legs and bill grey, eyes brown. Immature male
resembles female, but primaries chestnut.
NATURAL DISTRIBUTION
A Peacock is found in Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, Himalayas; introduced
worldwide.
HABITAT
The Peacock likes deciduous forests and semi-open country flanking hillside
streams, with thick undergrowth and thorny creepers. Also forages farmland,
particularly dense, tall crops such as sugar cane. Travels in small parties
of males and 3 to 5 females when nesting, but sexes segregate after breeding.
Feeds and drinks in open early and late, prefaced by crowing; also stimulated
by thunder. Roosts in tall trees.
DIET
Seeds, grain, lentils, ground nuts, green crops.
SPECIAL NEEDS
Shelter as well as outside habitat.
CAGE LIFE
Male screams and repeats head movements, raising train, quivering drooped
wings, strutting, prancing and presenting back view. Female occasionally
responds. Rests during day in thickets, runs to escape, seldom taking
wing, rockets upward with loud flaps.
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