DID YOU KNOW?

• The Indian peafowl is a member of the pheasant family native to the Indian subcontinent.

• Despite the length and size of their feathers, peacocks are still capable of flight.

• Indian peafowl are omnivorous and eat seeds, insects, fruits, small mammals, and reptiles. They feed on small snakes but keep their distance from larger ones.

• Indian peafowl are polygynous (one male to several females),

• Indian peafowl are widely distributed in the wild across South Asia and protected both culturally in many areas and by law in India. However, illegal poaching for their meat and feathers and accidental poisoning by feeding on pesticide-treated seeds are known threats to wild birds.

• The Indian peafowl is celebrated in Hindu and Greek mythology and is the national bird of India.

• Indian peafowl are among the largest and heaviest representatives of the pheasant family. So far as is known, only the wild turkey grows notably heavier.

• The Indian peafowl's "train" contains more than 200 feathers, while the actual tail has only 20 feathers and nearly all of these feathers end with an elaborate eye-spot.

• In Buddhist philosophy, the peacock represents wisdom. Peacock feathers are used in many rituals and ornamentation and peacock motifs are widespread in Indian temple architecture, old coinage, textiles and continue to be used in many modern items of art and utility.