Common peafowl

Scientific name: Pavo cristatus

IUCN listed as: Least Concern

Learn before you visit!

Here are some facts about the species – Discover what they eat, find out about their natural habitat, see what they like to do, and more… Set the reading style to suit you too, everyday speak or something aimed towards children.

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Diet

Common Peafowls are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals. Their diet mainly consists of seeds, fruits, insects, small mammals, and reptiles. They are opportunistic feeders, foraging on the ground for food. In captivity or near human settlements, they may also eat grains and scraps. Water is essential for their diet, and they are often seen drinking from ponds or other water sources.

 

Common Peafowls eat a mixture of plants and animals, like seeds, fruits, insects, and sometimes small animals. They find their food by searching on the ground. Peafowls also like to drink water from ponds and other places where water gathers.

 

Breeding

During the breeding season, male peafowls display their colourful tail feathers, called a “train,” to attract females. This elaborate courtship display is known as “strutting.” Females choose their mates based on the size, colour, and quality of the males’ trains. After mating, females lay around 4-8 eggs which are incubated for about a month. The chicks, called peachicks, are precocial, meaning they can walk and feed themselves shortly after hatching.

 

When it’s time to find a mate, male peafowls show off their big, colourful tail feathers to attract females. This is called “strutting.” The females pick their mates based on how big and colourful the males’ feathers are. After they mate, females lay about 4 to 8 eggs. The chicks, called peachicks, can walk and find food soon after they hatch.

 

Habitat

Common Peafowls are native to South Asia but have been introduced to many other parts of the world. They prefer open forests, savannas, and cultivated areas near water sources. These birds are adaptable and can live in a range of habitats as long as food and water are available. They often roost in trees at night for safety from predators.

 

Common Peafowls are originally from South Asia but now live in many other places too. They like open forests, grassy areas, and places where people grow crops, as long as there’s water nearby. These birds are good at adapting to different homes as long as they can find food and water. At night, they sleep in trees to keep safe from animals that might hurt them.

 

At the zoo

In zoos, Common Peafowls are kept in large aviaries or open areas with plenty of space to roam. They require perching spots and shelter from the weather. Zoos provide them with a varied diet that mimics their natural food sources, including seeds, insects, and greens. Peafowls are popular attractions in zoos due to their stunning plumage and intriguing behaviour. Visitors can observe their courtship displays and learn about their natural habitat and conservation efforts.

 

In zoos, Common Peafowls live in big open spaces or large cages. They need places to perch and stay safe from bad weather. Zoos give them food that’s like what they eat in the wild, including seeds, bugs, and plants. Peafowls are popular in zoos because of their beautiful feathers and interesting behaviours. People can watch them do their courtship dances and learn about where they come from and how to protect them.

 

Behaviour

Peafowls are social birds and often gather in flocks, especially during the non-breeding season. They are known for their loud calls, especially the distinctive “meow” call of the males. Peafowls are wary birds and will flee if they sense danger. Their long train feathers are used not only in courtship but also for display and to intimidate predators.

Peafowls like to be around others and often gather in groups, especially when they’re not looking for mates. They make loud calls, especially the males, which sound like “meow.” If they sense danger, they run away quickly. Their long feathers are used to attract mates, show off, and scare away animals that want to eat them.

Fun facts

  • Vibrant Plumage: Male peafowls have colourful feathers that they use to attract females.
  • Elaborate Displays: During courtship, males strut and display their tail feathers in a dazzling fan.
  • Peachick Patterns: Baby peafowls have brown and cream stripes to help them hide from predators.
  • Loud Calls: Peafowls make loud “meow” calls that can be heard from far away.
  • World Travellers: They have been introduced to many countries beyond their native range.
  • Bright Feathers: Boy peafowls have bright feathers to impress girl peafowls.
  • Fancy Dancing: When they want to find a mate, boy peafowls dance and show off their feathers.
  • Baby Peafowls: When they’re born, baby peafowls have stripes to help them hide.
  • Loud Calls: Peafowls make loud “meow” sounds that can be heard from far away.
  • Travelling Birds: They live in lots of places, not just where they started.

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