BirdTab LogoBirdTab

Indian Peafowl

Pavo cristatus

Least Concern (IUCN Red List)Pheasants, Grouse, and Allies
Indian Peafowl, photographed by Giles Laurent

Photo: Giles Laurent · Wikimedia · CC-BY-SA 4.0 (licence)

Add to my checklistRange map and sightings on eBird

Call and song

About the Indian Peafowl

An unmistakable, large ground bird. The unmistakable iridescent blue male spreads out its ornamental upper tail feathers when courting females. Females have a shorter tail, an iridescent green neck, and browner plumage. Found in forest, forest edge, and agricultural land. Often seen on paths or alertly feeding in the undergrowth. Can be fairly confiding especially when found close to human habitation. Its loud screaming “may-yow” calls are heard incessantly during the rainy season.

Species account: eBird.org, fetched 2025-12-26 · How these pages are made

Where it has been recorded

Recorded in 114 of the 253 countries we have eBird lists for. Each opens that country's checklist.

More pheasants, grouse, and allies