The Indian Peacock, (Pavo cristatus), the national bird of India, is a colourful, swan-sized bird, with a fan-shaped crest of feathers, a white patch under the eye and a long, slender neck.
• The male of the species is more colorful than the female, with a glistening blue breast and neck and a spectacular bronze green train of around 200 elongated feathers.
• The female is brownish, slightly smaller than the male and lacks the train.
• The elaborate courtship dance of the male, fanning out the tail and preening its feathers is a gorgeous sight.
• The peacock is widely found in the Indian sub-continent from the south and east of the Indus river, Jammu and Kashmir, east Assam, south Mizoram and the whole of the Indian peninsula.
• The Peacock enjoys protection from the people as it is never molested for religious and sentimental reasons. It is fully protected under the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
The Indian peafowl (Pavo cristatus) is the national bird of India. It was officially declared as such in 1963 by the Government of India, after considering its cultural, religious and historical significance. The peacock, as the male bird is commonly known, is a symbol of grace, joy, beauty and love. The peahen, the female bird, is less colourful but equally charming.
The peacock is native to India and can be found in various habitats, such as forests, grasslands and villages. It has a distinctive appearance, with a fan-shaped crest of feathers on its head, a white patch under its eye and a long, slender neck. The most striking feature of the peacock is its long train of feathers, which can be spread out in a spectacular display. The train has iridescent colours and eye-like patterns, which are used to attract mates and deter predators .
The peacock has a rich heritage in Indian culture and legend. It is associated with many gods and goddesses in Hinduism, such as Lord Krishna, who is often depicted with a peacock feather in his crown, and Kartikeya, the god of war, who rides a peacock as his mount . The peacock is also revered in Buddhism, as it represents wisdom and compassion. The peacock can eat poisonous plants without being harmed, which symbolizes its ability to transform suffering into enlightenment .
The peacock is not only a national symbol, but also a national treasure. It is protected by the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, which prohibits hunting or harming the bird. The peacock is also celebrated in various festivals and events, such as the Peacock Festival in Rajasthan and the Mayilattam dance in Tamil Nadu. The peacock is a source of pride and inspiration for all Indians, and a reminder of the country’s diversity and beauty.
