Peacock

The peafowl, of genus peafowl, family Phasiamidae, is a non-migrant bird. There are only two species of it in the world. The green ones (Pavo muticus) are found in western and southern Yunnan of China and Southeast Asia, and the blue ones (Pavo cristanis) inhabit India and Sri Lanka. The white peafowl is the albino aberrant form of the blue peafowl. Peafowl dwell in subtropical grasslands and jungles less than 2000 metres above sea level. They usually move in flocks of 3 or 5 and feed on grass seeds, fruits and insects. The male bird is over two metres in length, in iridescent blue and green, with a crest and tail coverts. The coverts make a splendid fan when spread, and are like a beautiful curtain when closed. The female does not have tail coverts and is pale brown on the back. Peafowl are precious birds that people love as a symbol of auspiciousness.

This picture of a Peacock on a Chinese Souvenir Sheet is indeed a piece of art in itself.