Fun Facts!

The Zoo allows several male blue peafowl - peacocks - to roam freely on the grounds all year long.

Peacocks can really yell. They have a call that sounds like “may-awe, may-awe” that carries for a long distance.

Indian Blue Peafowl

Pavo cristatus

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION

The Indian blue peafowl or common peafowl, is most commonly known as the peacock. In truth, only the males of the species are true peacocks: the females are peahens. Males are well-known for their iridescent blue-green plumage. The upper tail plumage is elongated and ornate with an eye at the end of each feather. The peahen plumage is a mixture of dull green, grey and iridescent blue. Females are about 34 inches long and weigh around 7 lbs, while males average over 7 feet when plumage is extended, and they weigh 9-13 lbs.

HABITAT

The national bird of its native country of India, the peafowl has been introduced in many other countries, including the United States. They like dry semi-desert grasslands, scrub and deciduous forests. Females nest on the ground, and males often roost in trees.

DIET IN THE WILD

They eat seeds, insects, fruits, small mammals and reptiles.

BEHAVIOR

A very sociable bird, the peafowl can be companions to humans, but may have problems living next to dogs, cats and other pets. Peafowl have been called "urban guard dogs" because their distinctive cries can act as a warning of approaching people or animals.

STATUS IN THE WILD / CONSERVATION EFFORTS

Their natural predators include large cats, the clouded leopard, Asiatic leopard, tiger, jungle cat and fishing cat prey on adult birds. Conservation is not in place for the Indian blue peafowl.

LIFE SPAN

Peacock can live about 20 years in the wild, or up to twice that long in captivity.