Peafowl are large, ground dwelling birds best known through the male, commonly called the Peacock, which is famous for its spectacular iridescent blue and green plumage and long, eye spotted tail feathers displayed during courtship.
Native to the Indian subcontinent, peafowl have been widely introduced elsewhere and are often kept in parks, estates and rural properties. Females, known as peahens, are much plainer in brown and green tones, providing effective camouflage while nesting.
Loud calls, strong legs and an ability to fly short distances into trees for roosting are all characteristic of peafowl, making them impressive and sometimes noisy residents wherever they are kept.
Photographed in Tarong Zoo, NSW
