
Indian Peafowl
Pavo cristatus
Indian Peafowl, often called Peacocks, are native to India and Sri Lanka. The proper terminology is Peacock for the males and Peahens for the females. The females are drab in color and lack the famous "tail" of the male. Peafowl are among the heaviest flying birds.
The tail of the male peacock can be raised and shaken during courtship, to either attract a female through visual means, or show off his good health through his strong and colorful train. Peacocks will eat a variety of food including berries, insects, grains and rodents. They are often heard before seen, thanks to their shrill call that resembles a person yelling for help.
ZooMontana's two peacocks free range the Zoo as living pest control. They hang out near the Zoo's barn most often, but will venture out to other parts of the Zoo, primarily during the Summer months.
Click HERE for a Peafowl Activity Sheet!
Our Current Residents
Charlie, Male - Hatched 2007
Charlie was born at ZooMontana.
Mirage, Male - Unknown Hatch Date
Mirage randomly showed up one day. It is still unknown to this day where he came from. However, he has chosen to call ZooMontana his permanent home.
Taxonomy
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves
- Order: Galliformes
- Family: Phasianidae
- Genus: Pavo
- Species: P. cristatus
Animal Facts
- Omnivore
- Common
- Forests
- Diurnal