PEACOK DESCRIPTION

DESCRIPTION 78³/4 to 90 inches (200 to 229cm). Male known for its long train consisting of elongated uppertail coverts that can be spread into dazzling fan by raising tail beneath. Neck and breast deep bright blue, lower back bronze-green with scallops and uppertail coverts bronze-green with purplish and black in centre, rump black. Copper-coloured eyes, face white and black, fan-shaped crest of wiry feathers. Female 34 inches (86cm). Head

crested as male and nape rufous brown, upperparts brown, mottled paler; primaries brown; lower neck metallic green, breast buff glossed green, belly buffy white. Legs and bill grey, eyes brown. Immature male resembles female, but primaries chestnut. NATURAL DISTRIBUTION A Peacock is found in Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, Himalayas; introduced worldwide. HABITAT The Peacock likes deciduous forests and semi-open country flanking hillside streams, with thick undergrowth and thorny creepers. Also forages farmland, particularly dense, tall crops such as sugar cane. Travels in small parties of males and 3 to 5 females when nesting, but sexes segregate after breeding. Feeds and drinks in open early and late, prefaced by crowing; also stimulated by thunder. Roosts in tall trees. DIET Seeds, grain, lentils, ground nuts, green crops. SPECIAL NEEDS Shelter as well as outside habitat. CAGE LIFE Male screams and repeats head movements, raising train, quivering drooped wings, strutting, prancing and presenting back view. Female occasionally responds. Rests during day in thickets, runs to escape, seldom taking wing, rockets upward with loud flaps.