Species profile
About this species
The Indian Peafowl is a large, vibrantly coloured bird native to the Indian subcontinent & Sri Lanka. The male, known as a peacock, is renowned for its spectacular iridescent tail feathers, called a train, which it fans out in an elaborate courtship display. The female, or peahen, is more modestly coloured in brown & green tones, providing effective camouflage in woodland habitats.
Open forests, grasslands, scrublands & cultivated areas across the Indian subcontinent. They favour areas near water sources & are commonly found at the edges of deciduous forests & in agricultural landscapes.
Where to photograph
Where our trips feature this species
You can photograph Indian Peafowl with us in India.
These departures are part of our Asia programme.
In the field, Pui Hang Miles helps guests make the most of these encounters.
Field notes
Photography notes
Early morning during the breeding season from February to May, when males are actively displaying to attract females. The soft golden light at dawn enhances the iridescent blues & greens of the plumage.
Position yourself at ground level during courtship displays to capture the full spread of the train against a clean background. Use a fast shutter speed of at least 1/500s to freeze the shimmer & movement of the iridescent feathers. Approach slowly & quietly in the early morning when birds are most active & less wary of human presence.
Available holidays
Trips featuring Indian Peafowl
The holidays below are pulled from the same species relationship, so the guide stays tied to live departures rather than becoming a static article.