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Peacocks are one of the most beautiful creatures of nature and are found easily in zoos, parks, and farms. Despite their popularity, only a few know the amazing facts about peacocks. For starters, did you know peacocks are native to Asia? They are primarily admired for their blue and green tail feathers which make them look magnificent.
Moreover, peacocks hold great cultural and religious significance in Hinduism and Indian royalty. For instance, Lord Kartikeya, the son of lord Shiva, is seen mounted on a peacock named Paravani as his vahana or vehicle. Sounds fascinating? Here are more amazing facts about peacocks for students.
Table of Contents
- 1 The Indian Peacock is the National Bird of India
- 2 Peacocks and Peafowl are Omnivores
- 3 Peacocks are Known by Different Names
- 4 Peacocks Can Live for Decades
- 5 Peacocks Can Run Fast
- 6 Male Peacocks Perform a Special Dance
- 7 Male and Female Peacocks Look Different
- 8 Baby Peacocks Look the Same at Birth
- 9 Peacocks Shed Their Feathers Every Year
- 10 Peahens Choose Their Partners Carefully
- 11 Peacocks Were Once Served as Royal Food
- 12 Some Peahens Start Looking Like Males
- 13 White Peacocks Have a Rare Genetic Condition
- 14 Peacocks Can Fly Despite Their Heavy Tails
- 15 Congo Peafowl is a Lesser-Known Peacock Species
- 16 Peacocks Defend Their Territory From Snakes
- 17 Peacocks Build Their Nests on the Ground
- 18 Peahens Can Feel Vibrations From Far Away
- 19 Peacock Feathers Have Tiny Crystals That Create Their Colors
- 20 Peahens Lay Multiple Eggs During Breeding Season
- 21 Quiz on Facts About Peacocks
- 22 FAQs
The Indian Peacock is the National Bird of India
The first interesting fact about peacocks is that it was declared the national bird of India in 1963. It has been associated with our culture and is often found in mythologies such as Lord Murugan’s vehicle in Tamil mythology. The peacock symbolizes grace, pride, and beauty and is often associated with gods and royalty in Indian history.
Peacocks and Peafowl are Omnivores
Peacocks and peafowl are omnivorous animals, meaning that they eat the meat of other animals, like snakes, along with fruits, berries, etc. Omnivore animals have different teeth, such as incisors, molars, and canines. This diversity helps them tear and cut food into smaller pieces.
Peacocks are Known by Different Names
The scientific name of peacocks is Pavo cristatus. Since it can be too difficult for people to remember it, peacocks are known by different names across India’s various regions. For instance, Mayura, which loosely translates as the killer of snakes, is one of its popular names. Other common names include Indian peafowl and blue peafowl.
Peacocks Can Live for Decades
In the wild, peacocks live for about 15 to 20 years. However, in protected environments like zoos, they can live up to 40 years. This is because they receive proper care, food, and protection from predators.
Peacocks Can Run Fast
Despite their large size, peacocks can run at speeds of up to 10 mph (16 km/h). They use their strong legs to escape predators quickly, making them fast runners when needed.
Male Peacocks Perform a Special Dance
All male peacocks do train rattling in which they stretch their tail and create a drumroll-like rustling sound. This helps to woo a suitable partner. However, female peacocks do not fan out their feathers like male peacocks.
Male and Female Peacocks Look Different
Male Indian peacocks are known for their strikingly vibrant plumage, featuring iridescent shades of blue and green, along with an impressive, elongated tail used in courtship displays. In contrast, Indian peahens have more subdued appearances, with feathers in shades of brown and dull grey that help them blend into their surroundings.
Baby Peacocks Look the Same at Birth
Upon hatching, male and female peacocks look identical. Males take around three months to develop their beautiful colours and up to full maturity to develop their tail aesthetics.
Peacocks Shed Their Feathers Every Year
Peacocks also undergo a molting process in which they naturally shed their feathers at the end of every mating season. They grow them again for a longer and fuller appearance in the next mating season.
Peahens Choose Their Partners Carefully
Peahens select their mates based on the peacock’s appearance, feather display, dancing, and vocal sounds. A peacock with brighter feathers and better movements has a higher chance of attracting a mate.
Peacocks Were Once Served as Royal Food
In Medieval times, peacocks and other exotic animals were served as food for royal families on special occasions. However, this practice is no longer common in certain regions.
Some Peahens Start Looking Like Males
According to research, peahens, when they reach a certain age, may stop producing as much estrogen as before, and thus start to look and sound like males.
White Peacocks Have a Rare Genetic Condition
White peacocks are rarely found in nature. This is due to leucism, a genetic condition in which the peacock loses its pigmentation from its feathers.
Peacocks Can Fly Despite Their Heavy Tails
Even though peacocks have long, heavy tails, they can fly short distances. They usually fly to escape predators or reach higher places, like tree branches, to rest safely at night.
Congo Peafowl is a Lesser-Known Peacock Species
The Congo peafowl, a different species from the Indian and Green peafowl, is the national bird of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Unlike the Indian peacock, it has shorter feathers and a more muted color.
Peacocks Defend Their Territory From Snakes
Peacocks are highly territorial birds and generally dislike the presence of snakes within their domain. When confronted with a snake, they may engage in a fierce battle using their sharp beaks and powerful legs. If victorious and the situation allows, peacocks are known to eat the snake as part of their opportunistic diet.
Peacocks Build Their Nests on the Ground
Even though peacocks can fly and perch in trees, they build their nests on the ground. This makes it easier for the peahen to protect and care for her eggs.
Peahens Can Feel Vibrations From Far Away
The crest (the small crown-like feathers on its head) of a female peacock helps her feel the vibrations from far away. This allows her to detect the movements and calls of a male peacock even if he is far away.
Peacock Feathers Have Tiny Crystals That Create Their Colors
The bright colors of peacock feathers come from microscopic crystal-like structures. These crystals reflect and bend light, creating the shimmering blue and green shades that make peacocks look so beautiful.
Peahens Lay Multiple Eggs During Breeding Season
A peahen can lay up to 6-12 eggs during the breeding season. She carefully guards her eggs until they hatch, ensuring the survival of her chicks.
Quiz on Facts About Peacocks
1. What is the name of the male peacock’s beautiful, colourful feathers?
| Tail |
| Wings |
| Train |
| Crown |
2. What colour are a peacock’s feathers?
| Mostly brown and white |
| Mostly blue and green |
| Mostly red and yellow |
| Mostly black and gray |
3. Where do peacocks live?
| Arctic |
| Antarctica |
| Asia |
| Australia |
4. What do peacocks eat?
| Only insects |
| Only plants |
| Both insects and plants |
| Only meat |
5. What is a group of peacocks called?
| A pride |
| A gaggle |
| A muster |
| A bevy |
Answers
| 1. C. Train |
| 2. B. Mostly blue and green |
| 3. C. Asia |
| 4. C. Both insects and plants |
| 5. A. A pride |
FAQs
Peacock facts for grade 4 – Peacocks are famous for their colorful feathers. The males, called peacocks, have long, beautiful tail feathers with eye-like patterns and they dance to attract females, called peahens. They spread their feathers wide and shake them to show off their beauty. Peacocks make loud, screechy calls, especially during mating season.
1. Peacocks are large, colorful birds native to South Asia.
2. The male peacock is known for its beautiful, iridescent tail feathers.
3. These feathers are used in courtship displays to attract females.
4. The female peacock, called a peahen, is less colorful and lacks the elaborate tail feathers.
5. Peacocks are omnivores, feeding on seeds, insects, and small reptiles.
6. They are excellent flyers, despite their large size.
7. Peacocks are considered a symbol of beauty, pride, and immortality in many cultures.
8. They are often kept in zoos and private collections.
9. Peacocks are an important part of Indian culture and are often depicted in art and literature.
10. Unfortunately, peacocks are threatened by habitat loss and hunting.
Peacocks are known for their elaborate courtship displays, where males fan out their iridescent tail feathers to attract females. They also exhibit unique behaviors like territorial defense, nest building on the ground, and a surprising ability to confront and even consume snakes, including venomous ones.
Peacocks are special because of their colorful feathers and graceful dance. Only male peacocks have long, shimmering tails, which they fan out to attract peahens. They can also make loud calls to warn others of danger.
Peacocks have many special abilities! They can run up to 10 mph to escape predators and fly short distances despite their heavy tails. Their feathers naturally shed and regrow every year. Peacocks can also detect vibrations through their crest and even fight small snakes to protect their territory.
Interesting Reads
This blog was all about the amazing facts about peacocks. If you want to read informative blogs on similar topics, make sure to check out the Interesting Facts and General Knowledge categories of Leverage Edu.
