The peacock is a bird genus, Polyplectron, of the family Phasianidae, consisting of eight species. They are colored inconspicuously, relying on heavily on crypsis to avoid detection. When threatened, peacock will alter their shapes utilising specialised plumage that when expanded reveals numerous iridescent orbs. The birds also vibrate their plume quills further accentuating their aposematism. Peacocks exhibit well developed metatarsal spurs. Older individuals may have multiple spurs on each leg. These kicking thorns are used in self-defense.
The systematics of the genus are somewhat unclear. Molecular research has revealed that peacock-pheasants are not genetically related to pheasants and only distantly to peafowl. Their closest allies are the Asiatic spurfowl and the Crimson-headed Partridge, endemic to Borneo. These three genera share the curious tendency for multiple metatarsal spurs. Though they are somewhat divergent morphologically, their skeletons are nearly identical. The species of Polyplectron diverged at some time between, roughly, the Early Pliocene and the Middle Pleistocene, or 5–1 million years ago. Polyplectron malacense and P. schleiermacheri form a basal radiation around the southern South China Sea together with P. napoleonis, as is confirmed by comparison of biogeography and mtDNA cytochrome b and D-loop as well as the nuclear ovomucoid intron G.
The male peacock displays his tail feathers to attract attention during courtship. The Indian, or common, peacock is native to India and Sri Lanka. It has a crest of blue-green feathers, and a long train composed of the upper tail coverts. Its neck, breast, and train are iridescent blue and green. The back and tail are chestnut in color; the wings are white and brown. The hen is duller in color, and has no train. A white variety of the Indian peacock has been developed. The Javanese peacock is native to Indochina. It is similar to the Indian peacock except that it is predominantly green, and the female is more brightly colored than the Indian peahen.
The male of either species of Asian peacocks may have a body more than two feet (60 cm) long and a train six feet (180 cm) long. To attract attention, during courtship and at other times, the male lifts the train and spreads it out in a fan that arches over the bird's back and touches the ground on either side. The train is supported by the short, stiff tail feathers. The plumage of the train is spotted with eye-shaped markings in gold, green, and purple. The Congo peacock, of a different genus, was discovered by zoologists in 1937. The male is glossy black with a white crest, and has no train. The female is green and brown.
Peacocks are ground-feeders that eat insects, plants, and small creatures. There are two familiar peacock species. The blue peacock lives in India and Sri Lanka, while the green peacock is found in Java and Myanmar (Burma). A more distinct and little-known species, the Congo peacock, inhabits African rain forests.
Wonderful pics, thanks for sharing
ReplyDelete