Kingdom : Animalia Class : Aves Family : Phasianidae Scientific Name : Pavo Cristatus Size(L) : 86cm - 107cm (34in - 42in) Wing Span : 120cm - 300cm (47in - 118in) Weight : 2.7kg - 6kg (6lbs - 13.2lbs) Top Speed : 16km/h (10mph) Life Span : 12 - 20 years Colour : Brown, Blue, Green, Grey Skin Type : Feathers Distinctive Features : Long tail feathers and colourful tail of males
- Peacocks are medium sized birds and are very closely related to pheasants.
- They are found in the warmer regions of the southern hemisphere especially India.
- The three species of peacocks are- The African Congo Peacock, The Indian Peacock and the Green Peacock.
- In all these species of peacocks, the females are a dull brown color and the males are beautifully colorful.
- The males are known as Peacocks and the females are known as Peahens.
- The males are almost twice the size of the peahens, with their feathers measuring up to 2m in length.
- The peacock is most famous for its enormous tail feathers which are very elaborate and colorful.
- The peacocks fan out their feathers to attract the females for mating and to intimidate their predators.
- Peacocks are omnivores feeding on insects, plants, seeds, flower heads, small mammals and reptiles.
- Their natural predators include wild dogs, wild cats, raccoons and tigers.
- In the mating season a peacock mates with around 6 peahens.
- The peahen lays the eggs, incubates them and raises the chicks all by herself.
- On an average they live to be around 20 years old.
- The green peacock is listed as a vulnerable to extinction species because of the habitat loss and hunting.