Quick answer
The peacock is the male of the peafowl, best known for its spectacular train of iridescent, eye-spotted feathers, which it fans out to attract females. The most familiar species, the Indian peafowl, is native to South Asia. The train can make up more than 60% of the bird's length, and despite its size the peacock can still fly. Peafowl typically live around 15 to 20 years.
Key takeaway
The peacock is the male of the peafowl, best known for its spectacular train of iridescent, eye-spotted feathers, which it fans out to attract females. The most familiar species, the Indian peafowl, is native to South Asia. The train can make up more than 60% of the bird's length, and despite its size the peacock can still fly. Peafowl typically live around 15 to 20 years.
Peacock overview
Peacock (Pavo cristatus) is a bird listed here as Least Concern. Typical weight 4–6 kg (9–13 lb); lifespan around 15–20 years.
Peacock ecology
Diet: Omnivore. Habitat: Forest, farmland, and scrub of South Asia. Movement and social systems reflect those pressures across the native range.
Peacocks and people
Learn before you travel or keep related pets. Wild peacocks are not toys; captive care needs species-specific husbandry.
Status and further reading
Conservation label in our guides: Least Concern. See the full Peacock profile for taxonomy, FAQs, and related topic guides on this site.
Peacock or peafowl?
Strictly speaking, only the male is a peacock; the female is a peahen, and together they are peafowl. The brilliant fan is not the tail itself but greatly elongated upper-tail covert feathers, supported from behind by the real, shorter tail when raised in display.
The dazzling display
A peacock raises and shivers its train to create a shimmering fan of color studded with iridescent 'eyespots'. The colors come not from pigment but from microscopic structures that scatter light. Peahens are thought to judge mates partly on the size, symmetry, and quality of this display.
Sources
Peacock FAQs
What are key facts about peacocks?
The peacock is the male of the peafowl, best known for its spectacular train of iridescent, eye-spotted feathers, which it fans out to attract females. The most familiar species, the Indian peafowl, is native to South Asia. The train can make up more than 60% of the bird's length, and despite its size the peacock can still fly. Peafowl typically live around 15 to 20 years.
What is the scientific name of the peacock?
Pavo cristatus — used in research and conservation listings for peacocks.
What do peacocks eat?
Peacocks are described as omnivores, with seasonal and regional variation in Forest, farmland, and scrub of South Asia.
Where do peacocks live?
They are associated with Forest, farmland, and scrub of South Asia. Local presence depends on food, cover, and human land use.
What is the conservation status of peacocks?
Listed in our guides as Least Concern. Check the IUCN Red List and national assessments for the latest formal category.