When referring to both the male and female birds, peafowl is the proper term. The male peacock of India, one of 3 known species worldwide, is the National Bird of India. It’s identifiable by a blue body, swan-sized frame with a fan-shaped crest of feathers, a white patch under the eye and a long, slender neck. Females are more subtly colored, mostly brown above with a white belly. Her ornamentation is limited to a prominent crest and green neck feathers. The Indian peafowl can be found from Eastern Pakistan, leading through the Himalayas following down to the southern tip and Sri Lanka.

Peafowl play a pivotal role in Hindu mythology and Indian folklore. The bird is the vehicle for god Kartikeya a.k.a. Skanda the 6-armed, 6-headed god of war who is a son of Lord Shiva, thus it is believed to be sacred. Images of the peacock can always be found associated with Lord Krishna. And the feather of a peacock can be found in Lord Krishna’s crown. The feathers are considered auspicious and protective. In the north, followers burn the feathers to ward of disease also believing it can cure snakebites.

Lakshmi, wife of the Hindu god, Vishnu, sometimes is depicted with armbands in the form of peacocks.  The birds are sacred to her since their cries are associated with the rainy season and hence, fertility.

The peacock’s beautiful and distinctive coloring is said to be a gift from the god, Indra.  One day the King of Gods was doing battle with Ravana, the Demon King.  The peacock, which in those days resembled his plain brown hen, took pity on Indra and raised its tail to form a blind or screen behind which Indra could hide himself.  As a reward for this act of compassion, the bird was honored with the jewel-like blue-green plumage that it bears to this day.

Tourists will easily recognize it as one of India’s national insignia.