Interesting Facts

• The peacock is a large member of the pheasant family. They are native to South Asia, and they are the national bird of India.
• There is considerable sexual dimorphism (physical differences) between genders. Females are very drab in color and appearance while males are larger, brightly colored, and have a “train” feathers. Peacocks in captivity are sometimes selectively
  bred for different color variations.
• Male peacocks are well known for their train. This is the long (78-90 in) extravagantly colored feathers with eye markings. It makes up about 60% of the bird’s body weight. Peacocks use their colorful train in mating rituals and courtship displays. A male peacock sheds and regrows its train annually.

Conservation Status

Threats

Peacocks have a large and stable population. Due to their reverence in many cultures, they have little chance of becoming endangered. However, their wild populations are still threatened by loss of habitat.