Peafowl

Natural Habitat

Open forests and woodlands near water. They roost in tall trees at night to avoid predators.

Where I'm Found

Native to South Asia. The Blue Peafowl is found throughout the dry, deciduous forests of India and Sri Lanka, though they have been introduced globally as ornamental birds.

Source: IUCN (CC BY-SA 3.0)

What I Eat

Omnivorous foragers.

Wild: Seeds, insects, small reptiles, flower petals, and grains.
Zoo: Gamebird pellets, mixed grains, greens, and insects.

How Long I Live

Wild: 10 – 20 years
Captivity: 20+ years

Fun Facts

The Train: The male’s tail feathers (train) can reach 6 feet long and are shed annually after mating season.
Screams: They are known for their piercing, high-pitched calls that sound like a woman screaming.
Peacock vs. Peafowl: Technically, only the male is a “peacock.” The female is a “peahen,” and together they are “peafowl.”
Post-Breeding Molt: Every summer after breeding season winds down, peacocks undergo a complete shed known as “molting.” Carrying a five-foot train of around 200 feathers demands enormous energy and makes escaping danger tricky, so dropping these showy plumes allows the males to move around safely and conserve strength until they regrow a fresh set over the winter.