Peacocks @ Kaluwagahawatta

Map

Peacock Range

Fast Facts

Type:

Bird

Diet:

Omnivore

Average life span in the wild:

20 years

Size:

Body, 35 to 50 in (90 to 130 cm); Tail, 5 ft (1.5 m)

Weight:

8.75 to 13 lbs (4 to 6 kg)

Group name:

Party

Did you know?

A male peafowl is one of the largest flying birds when the combined length of its train and its large wingspan are considered.

Size relative to a 6-ft (2-m) man:

Peacocks are very beautiful and proud visitors who frequent "Kaluwagaha watta".

Peacocks are ground-feeders that eat insects, plants, and small creatures. There are two familiar peacock species. The blue peacock lives in India and Sri Lanka, while the green peacock is found in Java and Myanmar (Burma). A more distinct and little-known species, the Congo peacock, inhabits African rain forests.

The term "peacock" is commonly used to refer to birds of both sexes. Technically, only males are peacocks. Females are peahens, and together, they are called peafowl.

Suitable males may gather harems of several females, each of which will lay three to five eggs. In fact, wild peafowl often roost in forest trees and gather in groups called parties.

Peafowl such as the blue peacock have been admired by humans and kept as pets for thousands of years. Selective breeding has created some unusual color combinations, but wild birds are themselves bursting with vibrant hues.