THE COMMON INDIAN PEA FOWL

The common Indian pea fowl (Pavo cristatus) is one of the best known of the Indian game birds and is remarkable for the gorgeous, ocellated “tail” and the brilliant, metallic greenish blue plumage of the adult male. The pea fowl is found throughout India, inhabiting dense scrub jungles and grassy meadows, preferably in the vicinity of streams and rivers. They are generally polygamous, being found in small parties consisting of one cock and four or five hens, and are extremely shy and wary, hiding away in the undergrowth at the least suspicion. They are omnivorous, feeding on grain, shoots, insects, lizards and snakes, etc.