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What is a Green Peafowl?

S. Ashraf
S. Ashraf

A green peafowl, or Pavo muticus, is a large member of the pheasant family of birds and is native to the tropical forest areas of Southeast Asia. Males of this species, called peacocks, grow to be about 10 feet (3 m) in length and weigh about 11 pounds (5 kg) when their long train is included. Females, called peahens, are smaller and can grow to be as long as 3.5 feet (1.1 m) and weigh up to 2.4 pounds (1.1 kg). These birds have an average wingspan of about 4 feet (1.2 m). In addition to being smaller than the male, the female lacks a train and is dull grayish-green in color; the colors of the male are iridescent.

The color and train of the male green peafowl are the most distinguishing physical characteristics of this species. A male green peafowl is brilliantly colored with feathers that shimmer in shades of bronze, blue and green. The male’s train is formed by more than 200 feathers, some as long as 6 feet (about 1.8 m), and it accounts for approximately 60 percent of the peacock's weight. On the end of each tail feather is a very colorful marking, usually in a shade of red, blue or gold, which is shaped like an eye and has a ring of bronze and blue around it. When the length of its train and its wingspan are combined, the male green peafowl is one of the largest flying birds in the world.

A green peafowl, or Pavo muticus, is a large member of the pheasant family of birds and is native to the tropical forest areas of Southeast Asia.
A green peafowl, or Pavo muticus, is a large member of the pheasant family of birds and is native to the tropical forest areas of Southeast Asia.

Geographically, the green peafowl used to range widely throughout Southeast Asia, but its distribution has been reduced by hunting and habitat destruction. This bird is now distributed, somewhat patchily, in western Thailand, Cambodia, Burma, Laos, southern Vietnam and Java. It no longer appears in the wild in Malaysia, India and Bangladesh.

For habitat, the green peafowl likes locations that have a good water supply. These birds prefer to live in open lowland forests. They can also be found on grasslands, in scrub and areas where there is bamboo.

Green peafowls are ground feeders. They eat plants, fruits, berries and insects. As omnivores, peafowls also hunt reptiles and other small animals, including venomous snakes.

Breeding season is from approximately mid-spring to early summer. The male displays his train of tail feathers as a fan to attract a female. He forms a harem of as many as five hens. Each female builds a nest on the ground and lays four to six eggs, which she incubates. The chicks hatch in about a month and are able to fly approximately two weeks after hatching.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Green Peafowl?

The Green Peafowl, scientifically known as Pavo muticus, is a large and brightly colored bird native to Southeast Asia. It is known for its iridescent green plumage and the male's majestic train, which is a display feature used during courtship. Unlike its cousin, the Blue Peafowl, the Green Peafowl is less common and faces threats from habitat loss and hunting.

Where can Green Peafowls be found in the wild?

Green Peafowls are indigenous to the tropical forests of Southeast Asia, with populations found in countries like Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and parts of Indonesia. They prefer open forest habitats, grasslands, and areas near rivers, but their numbers have been declining due to deforestation and human encroachment.

What do Green Peafowls eat?

Green Peafowls are omnivores with a diet that includes a variety of food sources. They feed on seeds, fruits, insects, and small vertebrates. Their foraging behavior is essential for seed dispersal, which contributes to the health of their forest ecosystems.

How do Green Peafowls reproduce?

During the breeding season, male Green Peafowls showcase their spectacular trains to attract females. After mating, the female lays a clutch of eggs, usually 4-6, and incubates them for about 28 days. The chicks are precocial, meaning they are relatively mature and mobile shortly after hatching.

Are Green Peafowls endangered?

Yes, the Green Peafowl is classified as 'Endangered' by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Their populations are threatened by habitat destruction, hunting, and a reduction in their range. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect these birds and their habitats for future generations.

What distinguishes Green Peafowls from other peafowl species?

Green Peafowls differ from other peafowl species, such as the Blue Peafowl, in their coloration and habitat preferences. They have more pronounced green and bronze plumage and longer upper tail coverts. Additionally, Green Peafowls are adapted to wetter environments and are more threatened in the wild due to their specific habitat requirements.

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    • A green peafowl, or Pavo muticus, is a large member of the pheasant family of birds and is native to the tropical forest areas of Southeast Asia.
      By: wildnerdpix
      A green peafowl, or Pavo muticus, is a large member of the pheasant family of birds and is native to the tropical forest areas of Southeast Asia.