Peacock is designated as the National bird of India. It was declared as a national bird by the government of India on 1st February 1963. It is also one of the national symbols of India. The details on the national bird of India are also mentioned in Chapter 2 of the Indian Year Book. 

Source: National Portal of India

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What is the National Bird of India?

The national bird of India is the Indian Peafowl, commonly known as the Peacock (scientific name: Pavo cristatus). It was declared the national bird of India in 1963 due to its cultural, religious, and ecological significance.

Why is Peacock the National Bird of India?

• The Peacock was chosen as the national bird of India due to its association with Indian culture, mythology, and symbolism.
• It is considered a symbol of grace, beauty, and elegance in Indian traditions.
• Lord Krishna also depicted the feather of a peacock on his forehead.
• Peacock is also the vehicle of Lord Murugan.
• The Peacock's vibrant and colorful plumage represents the rich biodiversity and cultural diversity of India.
• Peacocks are found all over the Indian region.
• The government also uses peacock in many of the publications, and it also does not coincide with any of the national birds of any other nation.

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Characteristics of the National Bird of India

• The male Peacock is known for its extravagant and iridescent plumage. It includes a long, colorful tail with eye-like patterns and a crest on its head.
• The female Peacock, called a Peahen, has a more subdued appearance with a brownish coloration.
• Peacocks are large birds, with males measuring about 2.5 meters in length, including their train feathers.
• They are known for their distinctive calls and courtship displays, where the male fans out its tail feathers to attract females.

Habitat and Distribution of Peacocks

• Peacocks are native to the Indian subcontinent. They are found in various parts of India, including forests, grasslands, and agricultural areas.
• They are also found in neighboring countries such as Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh.
• Peacocks are adaptable birds and can survive in diverse habitats, from tropical rainforests to dry scrublands.

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Concerns related to the National Bird of India

• Peacocks face various challenges and threats to their survival. This includes habitat loss, poaching, and illegal trade.
• Encroachment of their natural habitats, deforestation, and agricultural expansion are major factors affecting their populations.
• Climate change and pollution also pose risks to their well-being.

Conservation Status of Peacocks

• Peacocks are not currently listed as globally threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
• However, their conservation status varies within different regions of India.
• In some areas, they are protected under wildlife conservation laws, while in other regions, they face habitat degradation and hunting.
• Efforts are being made by the government and conservation organizations to protect the Peacock's habitats, raise awareness, and enforce wildlife protection laws.

Also, check out the article on Biodiversity for UPSC preparation!

Top 20 Facts about the National Bird of India Peacock

• Indian peacocks are the swan's size and are indigenous to Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar and India.
• Peacock is the National Bird of India.
• For the first time, the peacock was recognised as the National bird of India on 1st February 1963.
• The peacock bird is found all over the country and is also well known to the common masses of India.
• Peacocks also hold a strong significance in Indian cultural history.
• It is also used as an image of the god of rain, thunder, and war in Hinduism.
• It has been given complete protection under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972.
• They are also considered sacred by the Hindus as it is also linked to Lord Murugan, the son of Lord Shiva.
• Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of the Maurya dynasty, is also considered to be the son of peacock tamers or the ‘Mayur Poshikas’ in Sanskrit.
• The peacocks are omnivorous and are usually found in low altitude grasslands, adjacent human habitats, and forest plains.
• The Red List of IUCN categorizes the peacocks under the least concerned category.
• Peacock has strong historical and religious significance in Indian culture, leading to its selection as India's National Bird.
• This bird is vibrant and resembles a swan in size, featuring a fan-shaped crest, a white patch beneath the eye, and a long, slender neck.
• Peacocks can be found in various regions of India and have an omnivorous diet, consuming insects, flowers, and seeds, as well as small rodents and lizards.
• They are beneficial to farmers as they help control harmful insects.
• The male peacock, the Peacock, displays more vivid colors and beauty than its female counterpart, the Peahen.
• Peacocks are larger and have heavier bodies than Peahens.
• Despite their large size and massive feathers, peacocks are capable of flight, although they can only fly a little high or cover long distances.
• Peacocks have a lifespan of up to twenty years.
• Each year, peacocks shed their feathers, and new ones grow in their place.

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We hope that all your doubts regarding the National Bird of India will be cleared after going through this article. You can download the Testbook App now to check out various other topics relevant to the UPSC IAS Exam.