The collective term for these birds is peafowl; only the male is called a peacock, while the female is known as a peahen. The peahen is the parent responsible for laying eggs. Like all birds, peafowl are not born live, but hatch from a sheltered egg. The Indian peafowl, the most recognized species, is native to the Indian subcontinent and Sri Lanka, where this reproductive cycle occurs in open forests and cultivated areas.
Courtship Rituals and Egg Laying
The reproductive cycle begins during the breeding season, which typically runs from early spring through late summer, generally between March and October. The male peacock initiates the process by performing his courtship display, raising his elaborate train of elongated upper-tail covert feathers into a shimmering fan. Peahens evaluate the male based on the quality of this display, paying attention to the number of eyespots (ocelli) and the rapid, vibrating shake of the feathers, sometimes called “train-rattling.”
After the peahen selects a mate, the pair copulates, and she then prepares for egg laying. The peahen is solely responsible for selecting a nesting site, which is usually a secluded depression scratched into the ground and hidden among thick vegetation. She will lay a clutch of eggs over a period of several days, with a typical clutch size ranging from four to eight eggs.
The eggs are laid approximately one every other day. The peahen often plucks feathers from her own breast to line the nest, creating a warm environment for the developing embryos. Once the final egg is laid, the peahen begins the process of brooding.
The Incubation Period
The peahen will begin incubating the eggs, a process lasting approximately 28 to 30 days. This period requires consistent warmth, which the peahen maintains by sitting on the nest almost constantly, keeping the temperature near 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit.
She rarely leaves the nest during this period, rising only briefly to feed and drink before quickly returning to her clutch. This dedication is necessary to ensure the eggs maintain a steady temperature for the embryo to develop properly. The male peacock does not participate in nest defense or incubation.
The peahen’s presence provides protection from ground predators, as the nests are vulnerable being situated on the forest floor. Maintaining a proper humidity level is also necessary, as low moisture can cause the inner membranes of the egg to dry out, making it difficult for the chick to break free later.
Hatching: The Emergence of the Peachick
The emergence of the young bird, called a peachick, begins with the process known as pipping, which is the initial crack the chick makes in the shell. The peachick uses a temporary, hard projection on its beak called an egg tooth to chip away at the inner shell.
This hatching process is slow and physically demanding for the chick, often taking 12 to 24 hours from the first pip to complete emergence. The peachick chips a circular line, or “unzip,” around the wide end of the shell before pushing off the cap and breaking free.
Intervention during this strenuous time can be harmful, as the chick needs to absorb the remaining yolk sac, which provides its final nutrients, before fully emerging. Upon breaking out of the shell, the peachick is wet and exhausted; it must rest and dry completely before leaving the nest.
Early Development and Parental Care
The peachick is a precocial species, meaning it hatches in a highly developed state, covered in down feathers, with open eyes and the ability to walk almost immediately. This allows the young bird to leave the nest and follow its mother within hours of hatching.
The peahen’s role shifts to guiding the chicks, teaching them how to forage for food, and protecting them from predators. Peachicks need a high-protein diet for rapid growth, primarily feeding on insects, seeds, and grains.
They are capable of short flights within a week of hatching, which is a defense mechanism allowing them to roost in trees with their mother at night. The peachicks remain with the peahen for up to 11 months, learning survival skills before becoming independent.