
Indian Peafowl (Peacock)
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Galliformes, Family: Phasianidae, Genus: Pavo, Species: Pavo cristatus
Family: Phasianidae (Pheasants, Grouse, and Allies)
- Shape
- Symmetrical with a shovel-like or rounded tip; elongated and narrow at the base.
- Size
- Approximately 1.5 to 2.5 inches in length. Small compared to the iconic tail covert feathers.
- Rarity
- Common (Abundant worldwide due to domestication and introduction).
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Description
A small contour feather from the vibrant neck of a peacock. The bird is a large, ground-dwelling phasianid famous for the male's massive ornamental train.
Colour & Pattern
Brilliant iridescent structural coloration; transitions from a deep cobalt blue to an emerald cyan-green at the distal vane. The basal half is a neutral greyish-white down.
Barb Structure
Plumulaceous (downy) at the base for insulation; Pennaceous and tightly interlocked at the blue-green tip for structural color.
Texture & Surface
Silky and fluffy at the base; glossy, metallic, and smooth at the colored tip.
Key Features
Electric blue-green iridescence, stark contrast between downy base and metallic tip, and a thick white calamus.
Habitat
Deciduous forests, parklands, agricultural areas, and urban gardens. Often found near water sources.
Geographic Range
Native to the Indian Subcontinent; widely introduced and semi-feral in North America, Europe, and Australia.
Ecological Role
Omnivorous foragers that control insect and small reptile populations; prey for large cats in their native range.
Similar Species
Green Peafowl (Pavo muticus), which tends to have more scaled, green-gold neck feathers.
Interesting Facts
The colors are produced by microscopic crystal-like structures (structural color) rather than pigments; they bend light like a prism.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good; the distal vane shows some separation (unzipping) of the barbs, likely from natural molting or wear.
Notes
Hare arms