GENERAL INFORMATION

The peafowl is the largest member of the pheasant and turkey family. Although commonly called peacocks, this term is property applied only to the male peafowl. Female peafowl are called peahens. There are two species of peafowl found in the wild, the Indian Peafowl and the Green Peafowl.

DESCRIPTION

Peafowl, particularly the males, are one of the most colorful and strikingly marked of all birds. One of the best known features of these birds is the fan or "train" of the peacock, which is opened and displayed by the male to attract the peahen. These feathers are actually long extensions of the upper tail covers. They are supported from underneath by the much shorter tail feathers. These feathers grow to be several feet long, but are shed each year just after the breeding season. Each of these long feathers also has a design near its tip which resembles an eye. The feathers of the peacock are composed of many colors, including Crescent sheens of bright blue and green. The peahen lacks these long, showy tall feathers and although colorful, is not nearly as brilliant as the male. Both sexes also have a crest of short, erect feathers along the crown of their heads.

HABITS AND HABITATS

Although peafowl are large, powerful birds, they are somewhat weak fliers and spend much of their time on the ground looking for food or perching. Peafowl feed on many different types of food including both plants and small animals. They seem to be especially fond of snakes, even poisonous ones! Peafowl will fly for short distances, especially to escape danger, and also to roost in treetops at night. They often warn each other when danger approaches by loud shrieking cries and honks. Peafowl also call during the mating season to attract members of the opposite sex. The peacock spreads its fan of tail feathers and then struts and displays himself to potential mates. Peahens lay from 3 to 5 whitish eggs usually in a shallow depression dug in the ground, hidden underneath brush or in some other concealed location. The female incubates the eggs for approximately 28 days. After hatching, the young chicks follow the mother about for protection, even though they are capable of foraging on their own. The Indian Peafowl is native to India. In the wild, these peafowl usually live in small family groups, preferring dense, hilly jungle near water. The closely related Green Peacock is found in southeast Asia.

HISTORY

The Indian Peafowl is probably the oldest known ornamental bird. It was first introduced into the Mesopotamian cultures more than 4,000 years ago and then Into the Mediterranean area. Since that time, many different colors and breeds have been produced by man, including mottled, white, and a black-winged variety. Peafowl, particularly the brightly colored peacock, are one of our favorite captive birds, well suited for parks, zoos, and other domestic situations.

MEET OUR PEAFOWL

The Nature Center has three peacocks (males) and five peahens (females). All of these are the offspring of a pair of peafowl acquired by the Nature Center in l981. Our peafowl are not kept caged but are allowed to roam freely on the Nature Center grounds. They sometimes fly over our fence and wander through the parking lots and adjacent areas. Visitors and passing motorists often stop to tell us that our peacocks are loose, but they always return before dark when they fly up as far as possible to roost overnight in the large oak trees near the bird of prey aviary and the deer habitat. Although the Nature Centers mission is to display and interpret southern Appalachian plants and animals, we have chosen to keep our exotic peafowl residents because they are so popular with our visitors, especially during the spring breeding season when the peacocks are courting and displaying their beautiful feather fans, providing a popular photo opportunity for our guests. In June and July, after the breeding season, our peacocks begin shedding their long, beautiful tail feathers. A sharp-eyed visitor at this time of the year may spot these feathers lying around and are welcome to take one or more home as souvenirs.

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©2002 WNC Nature Center