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Peafowl
Green Peafowl, Pavo muticus
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Aves Subclass: Neornithes Infraclass: Neognathae Superorder: Galloanserae Order: Galliformes Family: Phasianidae Genus: Pavo Linnaeus, 1758
Species
Pavo cristatus Pavo muticus

The peafowl genus Pavo Linnaeus, 1758 consist of two species of spectaculary plumaged pheasants, the largest of the Phasianidae. Their highly elongated and elaborated trains are decorated with metallic ocelli; commonly called "tails", they are actually the uppertail coverts while the peacock's tail is much shorter and stiff and helps to prop up the train during display.

In captivity, the two Pavo will hybridise freely.

Species

• Indian Peafowl, Pavo cristatus
• Green Peafowl, Pavo muticus

Fossil record

• Pavo bravardi (Early - Late Pliocene) - Gallus moldovicus, sometimes misspelt moldavicus, may be a junior synonym

Gallus aesculapii, a Late Miocene - Early Pliocene "junglefowl" of Greece, may also have been a peafowl.

Gallery

Indian Peacock (Pavo cristatus) displaying

Displaying Indian Peacock from behind, showing the actual tail

"Tail" ocelli of the Indian Peacock

Hybrid peacock

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