Could there be a more perfect bird for the National Bird of India, all dressed, not in a brightly colored sari, but metallic blue with tail feathers to match, all opening into a lovely fan? These peafowls are native to South Asia and related to the pheasant family. Actually you can see the resemblance to the pheasants in the less colorful peahens.
The first mention of these birds was by Linnaeus, the 18th Century scientist. Males raise their fan tails and dance during the courtship period to try to impresses the hen. Mostly the peafowls are found on the ground or in a open forest setting where they hunt for small snakes, rodents, and berries. They can fly as seen in this picture, but it is quite cumbersome and unwieldy. Quite an eerie sight, wouldn’t you say?
We did see them perched high-up on the corners of buildings in our lane. They are quite shy and avoid dogs and people as much as possible.
There is a history of screaming peacocks used as prison guards in Istanbul in the film “Midnight Express.” A must see film for any students going to study abroad who might engage the thought of smuggling some cheap dope home to the States. That thought would never enter my head, but the movie, from years ago, is still fresh in my memory.
Enjoy this video from YouTube on the Peacock Mating Dance
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6x4FJseTnJU
Namaste. . . .. T I I
TalesAlongTheWay 
I’ve seen a peacock fly once. It had my black labrador in hot pursuit. We entered a field and the peacock was out for a stroll. It was one of those slo-mo moments when you see things going on but can’t do anything. Luckily Charlie responded to my calls; the peacock flew over the hedge intact. Phew!
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I thought I had replied to your wonderful story…but maybe not. Give that good dog Charlie a big dog biscuit!
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Wow!
We have some wild ones here near our house, they are wonderful~
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I hope the don’t walk with the gators!
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Sadly, there are no gators near our house.
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Did you see the 11 foot one they just caught? What will they do with that giant fellow?
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If it is the one caught this week here, he was killed.
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Oh dear, was that necessary? I hoped he was was moved somewhere. . .
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These ongoing wildlife murders are why I wrote my posting today~
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You must not give up , but sometimes it must feel like you are preaching to the choir!
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It’s worse than that, sometimes I feel like no one cares and I am not helping any of them.
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Keep fighting the good fight. You have to do what you can! Hugs,
Anne
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Majestic birds aren’t they 🙂
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Indeed, they are! Namaste. . . .Anne
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Beautifully captured 🙂
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Thanks so much. Namaste. .. . Anne
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If we give up it’s over! 🙂
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Right you are! Namaste. . . .Anne
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There a plenty over here near my place. As my house is pretty close by a forest, plenty of peacocks and penhens perch up on the roof and roam around the garden freely. its a sight to behold especially during the rains.
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Oh, I would love to see that! Lucky, you ! Namaste. . . .Anne
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Loved the first pic – very well captured, almost perfect symmetry.
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Thank you !
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