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Pavo cristatus

Indian Peafowl

BirdBest Season: Mar–May

Best locations

6

Expert creators

0

Field Reports (12 months)

0

Indian Peafowl (Pavo cristatus) — wildlife photography in India

(c) Cloudtail the Snow Leopard, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-ND)

About this species

India's national bird and perhaps the world's most recognisable bird, the Indian Peafowl is found across the subcontinent from forest to farmland. The male's spectacular 2-metre train of iridescent ocellated feathers is fully displayed in the pre-monsoon breeding season, when dawn dances in forest clearings are breathtaking. Watch Indian Peafowl dancing in India's forests. National bird of India — breeding display season guide and best wildlife reserves.

Behavior

Males perform the iconic fanned courtship train display during the monsoon breeding season and roost communally in trees at night for safety from ground predators.

Diet

Omnivorous — seeds, grain, insects, and small reptiles.

Quick facts

Scientific name
Pavo cristatus
Category / family
Bird · —
Habitat
Open forest, farmland, and scrub near water — extremely widespread and often found right on the edge of villages.
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN)
Best months to photograph
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Difficulty to spot
Moderate
Best locations
Ranthambore National ParkKeoladeo National ParkBandipur National ParkBibhutibhushan Wildlife SanctuaryChintamani Kar Bird SanctuaryChoolannur Peafowl Sanctuary

Field Reports

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Best locations for Indian Peafowl

Reserves and landscapes where our photographers reliably encounter this species, with links to place-specific guides.

RajasthanRanthambore National Park
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RajasthanKeoladeo National Park
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KarnatakaBandipur National Park
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West BengalBibhutibhushan Wildlife Sanctuary
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West BengalChintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary
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KeralaChoolannur Peafowl Sanctuary
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Wildlife Creators Specialising in Indian Peafowl

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Upcoming Trips Targeting Indian Peafowl

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When and Where to Photograph Indian Peafowl

The easiest wildlife sighting in India by far. For the full fanned train display, visit during the monsoon breeding season, roughly June–August.

Plan field days around Mar–May: light is often strongest at dawn and dusk, when many mammals and birds are most active. Work with a naturalist who knows local movement patterns — they will position you ethically while improving your odds of a encounter in Ranthambore National Park.

Related species

  • Sarus Crane
  • Malabar Pied Hornbill
  • Great Indian Bustard
  • Western Tragopan
  • Goliath Heron
  • Fire-Tailed Sunbird
  • Andaman Serpent Eagle
  • Jerdon's Minivet
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