Peacocks: beautiful and elegant creatures

Many people can recognize peacocks, usually from pictures or from possibly zoos. But have you seen these birds roaming free? Last year when my husband and I moved our family into a community, we were told that there were peacocks which roamed the neighborhood. Thinking “oh wow, peacocks,” we weren’t prepared for the number of peacocks which would be around. So, I decided to investigate these birds, their habits and behaviors. I wanted to learn how they came to be in our area and how cultures use these birds as symbols and special meanings. What I found helped me understand these birds a little better and even appreciate these beautiful creatures.

The accurate name for these birds is peafowl and there are three species of birds in the genera Pavo and Afropavo of the Phasianidae family. Peacocks are male peafowls and peahens are female peafowls. Two of the species is the blue or Indian peafowl from the Indian subcontinent and the green peafowl of the Southeast Asia. The Congo peafowl is the African species which is native only to the Congo Basin. Peacocks are known for the piercing call and extravagant plunges with metallic blue and green colors. The “tail” or “train” of feathers are displayed as a part of a courtship ritual to peahens as well as a show of dominance and aggression to other peacocks. Peahens have a mixture of dull gray, brown and green feathers. They are forest birds who nest on the ground but roost in the trees. They are terrestrial feeders and are omnivores. They will eat plants, flowers petals, seeds, insects and other arthropods as well as reptiles and amphibians. They will actively hunt for ants, crickets, termites, millipedes as well as small mammals and small snakes. Wild peafowls look for food in the early morning and at dusk. They retreat to the shade and security of their nests at the hottest parts of the day.

A large flock of peafowls took residence on Osbun Street in the Del Rosa area of San Bernardino (Prado 2017). They are very comfortable with their surroundings and are not afraid of cars, bikes or people which I can attest to. They will take their sweet time to pass in front of a car regardless how much you honk the horn at them. They do not scurry away like other animals. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find how peacocks were introduced to the area. The only information I could find was Frank Vanderlip (1864-1937), the Father of Palos Verdes had a flock on his property in the Dapplegray of the Rolling Hills Estate area (The Sun 2009). Apparently in recent years, these beautiful birds have made themselves a menace or maybe the residents are just tired of them (Chlland 2016). Many of the resident complaining of the noise they make. I would assume that with time and individuals moving around, the birds have been transplanted across Southern California.

In Hinduism, the peacock is the mount of the god of war, Lord Kartikeya, as well as a symbol of the goddess of wisdom and arts and other goddesses. Chandragupta Maurya (c. 321 – c. 297 BCE), founder of the Mauryan Empire, used the peacock as a royal emblem and remained so until his grandson, Emperor Ashoka (c. 268 – 232 BCE) changed it to lions. The Peacock Throne was the seat of power for the Mughai Empire (early 16^th century to mid-19^th century). The Peacock is also represented in the zodiac of Burma. The Buddhist deity, Mahamayuri, is often depicted seated on a peacock. In Persia and Babylonia, the peacock is seen as the guardian of royalty. Ancient Greeks believed a peafowl’s flesh did not decay after death and became a symbol of immorality. Eastern Christians used the peacock “eye” as a symbol of the all-seeing God and became associated with paradise and the Tree of Life. Ashkenazi Jews use a golden peacock as a symbol of joy and creativity. Quills made from the bird’s feathers are a metaphor for a writer’s inspiration. And everyone is familiar with the National Broadcast Company’s (NBC) use of the 11-feathered peacock logo which was created in 1956 by John J. Graham.

In conclusion, peafowls are native to Asia and the African Congo. They are known for their beautiful metallic colors and feathers. They are omnivores, meaning they will eat practically anything. Peafowls are beautiful birds with an interesting and confusing history in Southern California. Yes, they can be loud. However, I’d rather listen to their calls than hearing a barking dog. Peacocks have important symbolism to eastern regions including royalty and immorality. If you ever get the chance to see these beautiful birds up close, I recommend taking a moment to observe them. They are fascinating to watch.