Birds that look like peacocks have always been a source of fascination for birdwatchers. With their vibrant colors and graceful feathers, it’s no surprise that these majestic birds are among the most popular avian species.
There is much to learn about peacock-like birds regarding origins, characteristics, and behaviour. In this article, readers can expect to learn about some of the most well-known birds that share similar traits with peacocks.
What’s the Difference between a Peacock and a Peafowl?
Peacocks and peafowls are two of the most stunning birds we can encounter, but what is their difference? Peacocks and Peafowl are the same bird species. “Peafowl” refers to both male and female birds, while “peacock” only applies to males.
The male peacock has brightly coloured plumage with iridescent feathers. They are known for their long, colourful tail feathers, which they use during courtship displays to attract females. On the other hand, female peafowls have a more muted appearance compared to males. Their feathers have brown or grey colours with white spots on them.
Peacocks also have distinct features, such as an elongated neck and crest on their heads, which they raise during mating rituals.
Three Different Types of Peacocks
Pavocristatus – Indian Peafowl
The Indian Peafowl, scientifically known as Pavocristatus, is a bird species that belongs to the Phasianidae family. The peacock is also commonly called due to the male’s striking appearance. The peacock is one of the most beautiful and well-known birds in the world, with its large and colourful tail feathers being a symbol of beauty for centuries.
The Indian Peafowl is native to South Asia and can be found in countries such as India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. The males are larger than females, with their long and elaborate tails making up most of their body length. These feathers are used during courtship displays where males use their tails to attract females.
Aside from their physical appearance, peafowls are also known for their loud calls, which they use to communicate with each other.
Specifications:
| Length | Males – 100 to 115 cm. Females – 95 cm |
| Weight | Males – 4–6 kg Females – 2.75–4 kg |
Pavomuticus – Green Peafowl:
Pavomuticus, commonly known as Green Peafowl, is a magnificent bird species native to Southeast Asia. With its vibrant green and gold feathers and a long, iridescent blue neck, the Green Peafowl is often regarded as one of the most striking birds in the world.
Green Peafowl live in forested areas near rivers or streams where they can easily find food and water. They feed on various insects, small reptiles, amphibians, and fruits. While both male and female Green Peafowls have feathered crests on their heads, only males possess the iconic train – an ornate array of feathers up to six feet long.
Despite being a majestic bird species, Green Peafowls are unfortunately listed as vulnerable by International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Specifications:
| Length | Male: 180-300 cm Female – 100-110 cm |
| Weight | 3.8-5kg |
Afropavocongensis – African Peafowl
Afropavocongensis, commonly known as the African Peafowl or Congo Peafowl, is a unique bird species that are native to the dense rainforests of Central Africa. With its vibrant blue and green plumage and elegant crest, this bird has long been admired for its beauty and grace. Despite being a member of the peafowl family, it differs significantly from its Indian and Green counterparts.
One of the most distinguishing features of Afropavocongensis is its unique colouration. Males have a stunning blue-green hue on their back feathers that radiates in sunlight, while females are predominantly brown with intricate patterns on their wings. Both sexes have a long train of feathers at the back, which they can fan out during courtship displays.
Despite their impressive appearance, African Peafowls are relatively unknown outside their natural habitat due to habitat loss and hunting pressures.
Are Peacocks Pheasants?
Peacocks and pheasants are beautiful birds belonging to the same family, Phasianidae. However, they are not the same species. Peafowl is a term used for peacocks and their female counterparts, while pheasants refer to a diverse group of birds that includes more than 50 species.
One key difference between peacocks and pheasants is their appearance. Peacocks have vibrant blue-green feathers with distinct eye-shaped markings, while pheasant feathers vary in color depending on the species. Additionally, male peacocks are much larger than male pheasants and have longer tails.
Another difference between these two birds lies in their behavior. Peacocks are known for their loud mating calls and unusual courtship behaviour, which involve fanning out their tail feathers in a colorful display.
Pavonini Tribe Birds That Look Like Peafowl:
While no birds are as impressive in coloration as the peacock, some species resemble Peafowl in at least some ways. These include some other birds also categorized within the Pavonini tribe:
Rheinardiaocellata – Vietnamese Crested Argus:
The Rheinardiaocellata, also known as the Vietnamese Crested Argus, is a stunningly beautiful bird that can be found in the forests of Southeast Asia. With its vibrant colours and unique crest on its head, this bird is a sight to behold. The male has iridescent blue-black plumage with white spots on its wings and tail feathers. On top of its head is a striking orange crest that stands tall when displayed during courtship rituals.
The female Vietnamese Crested Argus has similar colouring but lacks the distinctive crest of the male. This species prefers to reside in the evergreen forests of Vietnam and Laos at elevations between 300-1200 meters above sea level. They are mostly solitary birds who spend their days foraging on insects, fruits, and seeds amongst the forest understory.
Rheinardianigrescens – Malayan Crested Argus:
Rheinardianigrescent, commonly known as the Malayan Crested Argus, is a pheasant species in Southeast Asia. The bird is named after German zoologist Hermann von Rheinhardt, and its striking appearance makes it one of the most sought-after birds by wildlife enthusiasts. The Malayan Crested Argus is a large bird with distinct colors and patterns on its feathers.
The male Malayan Crested Argus has a black body with white spots and distinctive crest feathers on its head. Its wings are adorned with vibrant blue-green feathers, creating an eye-catching display during courtship rituals. Females, on the other hand, have brownish-black feathers with whitish spots throughout their bodies. Their crests are smaller compared to males but still have impressive appearances.
Argusianusargus – Great Argus Birds That Look Like Peacocks
Argusianusargus, commonly known as the Great Argus, is a fascinating bird species that belongs to the pheasant family. This stunning bird is native to Southeast Asia and can be found in countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. The Great Argus is often considered one of the most beautiful birds in the world because of its unique physical appearance.
One of the most distinctive features of this bird is its long tail feathers adorned with intricate patterns and designs. In addition to their elaborate feathers, Great Argus have striking blue faces with bright red wattles on their necks. Their impressive plumage makes them easily recognizable among other species in their natural habitat.
The Great Argus has also gained attention due to their courtship display, which involves spreading its wings and tail feathers to create an impressive fan-like display.
Other Phasianinae That Look Like Peafowl:
Peacock-pheasants are a group of stunningly beautiful birds that belong to the family Phasianidae. These birds are known for their iridescent plumage, made up of metallic colors that shimmer in the light. Peacock pheasants are native to Southeast Asia, where they can be found living in forests and grasslands.
Palawan Peacock-Pheasant:
The Palawan peacock-pheasant is a beautiful and elusive bird found in the lowland forests of Palawan, an island province in the western Philippines. This stunning bird is known for its iridescent blue-green plumage, and long, elegant tail feathers adorned with distinctive eye spots. Its striking appearance has made it a popular subject for nature photographers and birdwatchers alike.
Despite its popularity, the Palawan peacock-pheasant is one of the rarest birds in the world. Deforestation and human encroachment have greatly affected its habitat, leading to a decline in its population. The species is now classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species.
Malayan Peacock Pheasant:
The Malayan Peacock Pheasant, or the Polyplectronmalacense, is a stunning bird in Southeast Asia. It is one of the world’s most beautiful and colorful birds, with its iridescent blue-green feathers and dazzling golden-bronze plumage. This pheasant species is mainly found in Thailand, Malaysia, Sumatra, and Borneo forests.
The male Malayan Peacock Pheasant has a long metallic green-blue crest that it can raise when displaying for females. When it spreads its wings during courtship displays, it reveals a magnificent fan-shaped tail with vibrant colors of gold and bronze. Female Malayan Peacock Pheasants have shorter tails but are still just as strikingly beautiful with their intricate feather patterns.
Bornean Peacock Pheasant:
The Bornean Peacock Pheasant is a bird species belonging to the family Phasianidae. This beautiful bird is native to the tropical rainforests of Borneo, an island in Southeast Asia. With its vibrant colors and stunning plumage, the Bornean Peacock Pheasant is considered one of the most beautiful birds in the world.
This bird has a unique appearance with iridescent blue-green feathers on its head, neck, and back. Its body is covered in dark brown feathers with white spots. The male Bornean Peacock Pheasant has an impressive elongated tail that can reach up to 1 meter long, while the female has shorter tail feathers.
Germain’s Peacock Pheasant:
Germain’s Peacock Pheasant is a fascinating bird with an incredibly beautiful appearance. The bird is native to Southeast Asia and is widely known for its colourful feathers, which make it stand out among other species in the pheasant family. Germain’s Peacock Pheasant has a distinct plumage pattern on its head, neck, and back, where each feather displays a unique combination of colours.
In addition to its stunning appearance, Germain’s Peacock Pheasant also boasts impressive behaviour. These birds are typically shy and elusive in their natural habitat but are known to display elaborate courtship dances during mating season. During this time, the male will spread his wings and fan his tail feathers while making various calls to attract the female.
Grey Peacock Pheasant:
The Grey Peacock Pheasant is a stunning bird found in the tropical forests of Southeast Asia. The male of this species has a long, blue-grey tail with distinctive eye-shaped spots, hence its name. Females, on the other hand, have shorter tails and are less colorful. These birds are known for their courting displays, where males put on an impressive show by raising their tails and displaying their iridescent feathers.
The Grey Peacock Pheasant is a threatened species due to habitat loss and hunting for its feathers and meat. They live in dense forests near water sources, feeding on seeds, insects, fruits, and small animals. Conservation efforts are being made to protect their habitats through reforestation and anti-poaching measures.
These birds have also gained popularity among bird enthusiasts who keep them as pets or display them at zoos or wildlife parks.
Hainan Peacock Pheasant:
The Hainan Peacock Pheasant is a fascinating bird species native to the Hainan Island of China. It is one of the rarest and most beautiful pheasants in the world, with its colorful plumage and unique features. The male peacock pheasant has a distinct blue-green crest on its head, which fans out dramatically during courtship displays.
They have many calls, including loud booming sounds and high-pitched whistles. These vocalizations are an important part of their mating rituals as they use them to communicate with potential mates.
Despite being a protected species in China since 1987, the population of Hainan Peacock Pheasants has been declining due to habitat loss and hunting pressures.
Bronze-Tailed Peacock Pheasant:
The bronze-Tailed Peacock Pheasant is a unique bird species that belongs to the Phasianidae family. This magnificent bird can be found in Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. The Bronze-Tailed Peacock Pheasant is known for its impressive display during courtship rituals, where it fans out its long iridescent tail feathers and performs elaborate dances.
The Bronze-Tailed Peacock Pheasant has a distinctive appearance with metallic green and blue plumage that shimmers in the sunlight. Its long tail feathers are bronze-coloured and have black markings on them. These feathers are used to attract potential mates during mating season. Both males and females have similar features, but males tend to be larger than females.
Mountain Peacock Pheasant:
The mountain peacock pheasant is a stunning bird found in the Himalayan region of Nepal, India, Bhutan, and China. This bird is known for its unique and colourful appearance, making it a favourite among bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts. The males of this species have striking blue-green feathers on their necks and chests that resemble scales or armour.
To their distinctive appearance, the mountain peacock pheasant has a fascinating courtship ritual. During mating season, the male will perform an elaborate dance to attract a mate. This dance includes displaying his brilliant feathers while bobbing his head and tail feathers up and down rapidly. If successful in attracting a female, the male will continue to court her by bringing her food gifts such as berries or insects.
Final Thoughts:
Peacocks are beautiful, majestic creatures that captivate us with their stunning feathers, intricate mating rituals, and loud calls. Birds that look like peacocks come in several varieties, each with unique traits. From the vibrant green plumage of the Guineafowl to the fan-like tail of Lady Amherst’s Pheasant, these birds bring a lot of colour and vibrancy to nature.