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Peacocks do not have a national bird, as they are animals and not countries. Peacocks are a type of bird in the genus Pavo, most known for the male’s ornate plumage and mating displays. The national bird of India is the Indian peafowl (Pavo cristatus), which is one of the peacock species. The Indian peafowl is native to South Asia, but peacocks in general are found in parts of Africa and Asia. So in summary, peacocks themselves do not have a national bird, but the Indian peafowl is the national bird of India.
What is a National Bird?
A national bird is a bird that is culturally important and officially adopted by a country as a national symbol. National birds represent the heritage and uniqueness of a nation and its environment. Some examples of national birds include:
- Bald Eagle – National bird of the United States
- Common Loon – National bird of Canada
- Kiwi – National bird of New Zealand
- Indian Peafowl – National bird of India
To be chosen as a national bird, the species is usually found in abundance in the country and holds significance in the nation’s culture, history or environment. The selection is officially made by the country’s government and enshrined in the nation’s laws or regulations. National birds often feature prominently on coins, bank notes, postage stamps and other symbols and formal decorations.
What are Peacocks?
Peacocks refer to large, colorful pheasant-like birds that are known for their iridescent tail feathers that can be fanned out in courtship displays. Peacocks belong to the genus Pavo, which contains two extant species:
- Indian Peafowl (Pavo cristatus) – Native to South Asia
- Green Peafowl (Pavo muticus) – Native to Southeast Asia
The term “peacock” is often used colloquially to refer specifically to the male bird, while the females are called peahens. The Indian Peafowl is the peacock species with the most elaborate and recognizable plumage, featuring a long train of bright blue and green tail feathers that can reach up to 6 feet long. During courtship displays, the male peacock will fan out this train into a spectacular disc-like shape to attract mates. Beyond their plumage, peacocks are also known for their loud, shrill calls. They inhabit forests and woodlands, feeding on insects, plants and small reptiles.
Indian Peafowl – National Bird of India
The Indian Peafowl (Pavo cristatus) is the national bird of India. Native to South Asia, it is found in many parts of India, Sri Lanka and also some parts of Pakistan. The Indian peafowl is a large, brightly colored pheasant weighing up to 8kg. The male, known as a peacock, has a train of 150-200 elongated upper tail covert feathers that form an ornamental plumage that is used in courtship displays. The female, known as the peahen, does not have a highly decorated train.
The Indian peafowl was adopted as the national bird of India in 1963 due to its rich representation in Indian culture and mythology. It is estimated that India harbors more than 100,000 peacocks. They are protected in India under the Indian Wildlife Act and there are even peafowl breeding programs across the country to protect the species. The peacock is represented extensively in Hindu mythology and is the national bird of India due its cultural significance and indigenous origins in the country. It features prominently on the official seals of institutions like the State Bank of India and Election Commission of India.
Peacocks in Culture
Beyond India’s national bird, peacocks have held cultural and symbolic significance across various civilizations for millennia:
- In Greek mythology, the peacock was associated with the goddess Hera. A 100 eyed tail is mentioned representing the eyes of Argus who served Hera.
- In Christianity, the peacock represents renewal, resurrection and immortality within the cycle of birth, death and rebirth.
- In Buddhism, the peacock represents compassion.
- In Babylonia and Persia, the peacock was associated with royalty and divinity.
- In China, peacocks were seen as representing integrity and dignity.
- Across Africa, Asia and Europe, peacock feathers were used in costumes and rituals.
Beyond symbolism, peafowl have been kept as ornamental birds. Selective breeding has led to variations like the White Peafowl. Due to their unique calls and iridescent plumage, peacocks are popular birds in zoos, parks and farms around the world.
Conclusion
In summary, peacocks do not themselves have a designated national bird, as they are not countries. However, the Indian Peafowl is the national bird of India. Peacocks belong to the Pavo genus of birds and the term refers specifically to the colorful, ornamental male birds. Peafowl have long held cultural significance in civilizations globally. The Indian Peafowl was selected as India’s national bird for its deep cultural symbolism and heritage in the country. Beyond India, peacocks are admired worldwide for their unique plumage and calls.
