Indian peafowl
Pavo cristatus
25.0754, -77.3619
Field Notes
Description:
The Indian peafowl, also known as blue peafowl, is a beautiful large and brightly colored bird of the pheasant family. The male, seen in these images and referred to as a peacock (versus peahen), is noted for its beautiful plumage containing "eyespots" and some wire-like feathers atop a small fanned crest on its head. The bright and colorful feathers are raised in a large, fan-shaped display during courtship.
Habitat:
The original habitat of such birds was the Indian sub-continent and Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon). However, over the years, the species was first introduced into Europe and then into other areas of the world. They are found throughout the Americas: North; Central; and South.
Notes:
These birds generally forage on the ground for food - berries, grains, and also small rodents and even snakes. They seldom fly but will do so to roost, although they much prefer to run on the ground to avoid threats. This bird was seen at Ardastra Gardens, Zoo, and Conservation Centre, in Nassau, Bahamas, walking freely on the ground.
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