What is a Peacock?
A peacock is a kind of bird that has very bright and colorful feathers.
But did you know?
Only the male is called a peacock.
The female is called a peahen, and together they are called peafowl.
Example:
If you see a bird with a large, shiny tail, it is a peacock (a male).
If the bird is smaller and has a brown color, it is a peahen (a female).
Where Do Peacocks Live?
Peacocks live in warm countries with trees and open spaces.
They are mainly found in:
India (national bird of India )
Sri Lanka
Myanmar
Some are also found in parts of Africa and Southeast Asia.
Example:
In India, you can see peacocks in villages, forests, and sometimes near farms.
Types of Peacocks
There are three main types of peacocks:
Indian Peafowl – Blue body and green tail (most common)
Green Peafowl – Found in Southeast Asia, shiny green feathers
Congo Peafowl – From Africa, less colorful than others
Example:
The Indian peacock is the one we usually see in pictures with a big blue body and glowing tail.
Why Do Peacocks Have Such Colorful Feathers?
Peacocks have feathers that shine in the sunlight.
Their feathers are not just for show—they use them to:
Attract peahens (for mating)
Scare predators by looking bigger
This is called displaying or fanning their tail.
Example:
A peacock opens its tail wide like a fan to impress a peahen or to scare a snake.
Fun Fact: Feathers Change Color!
Peacock feathers don’t actually have color!
Their colors come from light bouncing off the tiny parts of the feathers.
This is called iridescence.
Easy Example:
Just like a soap bubble shows different colors when light hits it, the same happens with a peacock’s feathers!
What Sounds Do Peacocks Make?
Peacocks make a loud call that sounds like “may-awe, may-awe”.
They often call before it rains, which is why in India, they are known as a sign of the rainy season.
Example:
Farmers listen to peacock calls to know if rain is coming!
What Do Peacocks Eat?
Peacocks are omnivores, which means they eat both plants and animals.
Their food includes:
Insects
Seeds
Grains
Small reptiles
Fruits
Example:
A peacock may peck at a small lizard in the grass or eat seeds dropped on a farm.
Can Peacocks Fly?
Peacocks are big birds, but yes, they can fly!
However, they don’t fly long distances.
They fly short distances to escape danger or to reach a tree branch.
Example:
A peacock may run and take a small flight to sit on a tree at night for safety.
Where Do Peacocks Sleep?
Peacocks sleep in trees to stay safe from animals like foxes and snakes.
They find a branch and rest there at night.
Example:
In a forest, you might see a group of peacocks sleeping high up in a tree.
Baby Peacocks
Baby peacocks are called peachicks.
A peahen lays 3 to 5 eggs in a nest on the ground.
The eggs hatch after about 28 days.
Peachicks are yellowish and fluffy when born.
Example:
A baby peachick follows its mother closely just like a duckling follows a duck.
What Is a Peacock’s Tail Called?
The peacock’s tail is called a train.
It is made of more than 200 feathers and can be up to 5 feet long.
Example:
When the peacock opens its train, it looks like a big colorful fan with “eye” shapes on it.
Peacocks and Culture
Peacocks are important in many cultures:
India: National bird, symbol of beauty and pride
Greece: Associated with the goddess Hera
China: Symbol of luck and peace
Example:
In Indian temples, you might see peacock statues or drawings.
Why Do Peacocks Dance?
Peacocks dance by shaking their feathers and turning in circles.
They usually dance:
During mating season
When it is about to rain
To show happiness or excitement
Example:
On a cloudy day, a peacock may dance in a garden just before it rains.
Are Peacocks Smart?
Yes!
Peacocks are smart birds.
They can remember places, recognize people, and learn patterns.
They also show teamwork by warning each other if danger is near.
Example:
If a peacock sees a leopard, it will scream loudly to alert other animals.
Special Features of Peacock Feathers
They have “eye spots” – round designs that look like eyes
They don’t get wet easily
They are used in decoration and art
Example:
Artists use peacock feathers in fans, hats, and craft projects.
Why Do We Love Peacocks?
Kids and adults love peacocks because:
They are beautiful
Their dance is fun to watch
Their feathers look magical
They are part of nature’s colorful family
Peacock as India’s National Bird
India chose the peacock as its national bird in 1963 because:
It is found all over India
It represents grace, beauty, and strength
It is important in Indian art, songs, and culture
Some More Fun Facts About Peacocks!
A group of peacocks is called a party or an ostentation
Peacocks can run up to 16 km/hour
Their feathers fall off every year and grow again
They live for about 15 to 20 years
Peacocks cannot sing, but their calls can be heard up to 1 mile away.
