We are used to seeing peacocks in parks and gardens on all continents, with the exception of Antarctica, because, due to the striking Because of its plumage and because it is an easy animal to domesticate, the peacock has been introduced to these areas for centuries. But where does it originate from? In what areas can you find wild peacocks?
To clarify all your doubts regarding this topic, on our site.com we explain where peacocks live, keep reading !
Asian origin of wild peacocks
To answer the question where do peacocks live, it should be noted that the common peacock is native to southern India and from the island of Ceylon (Sri Lanka). Populations of wild peacocks are now found mainly on the Indian subcontinent and in Sri Lanka, in the drier parts of the island. Although the probability of finding groups of wild peacocks is not limited so much to a certain geographical area as to the habitat where the species can thrive.
Peacocks feed on berries, seeds, young shoots, insects and even small reptiles, usually snakes. Therefore, from the point of view of their omnivorous diet, they are a versatile and adaptable species.
In search of the ideal habitat
The peacock needs to live in forests located below 2000 meters above sea level. With a preference for deciduous forests and sparse jungle areas, it can adapt to different habitats, from humid to dry forest. There are even wild turkeys that have adapted to living near farmland and tolerate human presence well.
But it is the trees that provide the peacock with a resting place in their branches and some protection from some of its natural predators. In addition, peacocks need to have some nearby water area, where they go to drink mainly in the morning.
The peacock needs to live in climates that are not cold, with temperatures below 0ºC the peacock's he alth can be seriously compromised. Bear in mind that the peacock nests at ground level.
Peacocks are gregarious birds
Peacocks live in small groups made up of either males or adult females and their young. These groups must share territory for obvious reasons: to be able to meet during the courtship season, when male peacocks compete with each other with dances that end with the explosion of color that involves exposing their showy tail with outstretched feathers.
Peacock Breeds
Some varieties of peacocks do not thrive in the wild. The most abundant peacocks in the wild are, in this order, the blue peacock and the green peacock, where the color refers to the plumage of the head and body. In both cases the genes that determine these colorations are dominant. White peacocks and other varieties are due to the expression of recessive genes, so they are rare cases unless controlled breeding is done to obtain these specimens.
On the other hand, the white peacock, like most albino animals, is easy prey for its natural predators in its natural environment, being deprived of its ability to blend in with the environment.