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National Bird of India – Interesting Facts about Indian National Bird for UPSC

Ananya Gupta September 06, 2023 08:52 6356 0

Learn about the majestic National Bird of India - the Peacock. Explore its vibrant plumage, cultural significance, and fascinating behavior. Discover why it's a symbol of pride and beauty in India.

National Bird of India – Interesting Facts about Indian National Bird for UPSC

National Bird of India

The Peacock was officially declared as India’s National Bird in the year 1963. This majestic selection was made because the peacock is not only the most auspicious of creatures but also embodies the essence of India’s rich fauna. With a long history of religious and legendary significance in Indian culture, the Peacock symbolizes various virtues.

The Peacock, scientifically known as Pavo cristatus (Linnaeus), stands as a magnificent creature characterized by its beauty, grace, and striking appearance. Its resplendent fan-shaped crest of feathers, accompanied by a distinctive white patch beneath the eye and an elegantly elongated neck, defines its unique charm. These vibrant and swan-sized birds carry a symbolism deeply ingrained in India’s identity, representing attributes such as beauty, grace, pride, and mysticism. The colors of the Peacock resonate with the very spirit of the nation, making it a fitting and cherished National Bird of India.

National Bird of India – Peacock
Feature Description
Scientific Name Pavo cristatus
Common Name Indian Peafowl
Significance Symbol of beauty, grace, and pride in India
Protected Status Protected under the Wildlife Protection Act
Habitat Forests, grasslands, and cultivated areas

National Bird of India Peacock

The Peacock, scientifically known as Pavo cristatus, proudly holds the esteemed title of India’s National Bird. With its resplendent fan-shaped crest of feathers, vibrant colors, and an intricate display of iridescence, the Peacock is a captivating symbol of beauty and grace. Its significance transcends mere aesthetics, as it is deeply woven into the cultural tapestry of India. The Peacock is revered in Indian mythology, often associated with deities like Lord Krishna. Its proud and elegant courtship dance, where it unfurls its magnificent plumage, reflects not only its natural grandeur but also the spirit of a diverse and culturally rich nation like India. As the National Bird, the Peacock embodies the country’s ethos of celebrating both the extraordinary and the ordinary, making it a cherished symbol of India’s natural and cultural heritage.

Why Peacock is our National Bird?

The Peacock was chosen as India’s National Bird for several compelling reasons:

  1. Cultural Significance: The peacock has deep-rooted cultural and historical significance in India. It is often associated with various Hindu deities, most notably Lord Krishna, who is often depicted with a peacock feather adorning his crown. This cultural connection underscores the peacock’s significance in the country’s religious and mythological traditions.
  2. Symbol of Beauty: The peacock is renowned for its stunning and vibrant plumage. Its iridescent and intricately patterned feathers symbolize beauty, elegance, and aesthetic appeal. This resonates with the idea of celebrating the natural beauty found in India’s diverse landscapes and wildlife.
  3. Proud Display: Peacocks are known for their elaborate courtship displays where they unfurl their striking feathers in a magnificent fan-like formation. This display of pride and grandeur mirrors the idea of a proud and diverse nation like India.
  4. Native Species: The Indian Peafowl (Pavo cristatus) is native to the Indian subcontinent. By selecting it as the National Bird, India acknowledges and celebrates its unique and diverse wildlife heritage.
  5. Enduring Symbolism: The peacock’s symbolism of beauty and grace aligns with India’s rich cultural heritage and its commitment to upholding values such as grace, pride, and elegance as part of its national identity.

Overall, the Peacock was chosen as India’s National Bird because it encapsulates the country’s cultural richness, natural beauty, and the enduring sense of pride and diversity that define the nation.

National Bird of India Adopted On

The Indian Peacock, which is the national bird, was officially adopted as the country’s national bird on 1 February 1963. This selection was made in recognition of the peacock’s cultural and ecological significance in India.

Facts about the National Bird of India for UPSC

Here are some key facts about the National Bird, the Peacock, that can be useful for UPSC and other competitive exams:

  1. The Indian Peacock, native to India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Myanmar, holds the esteemed position of being India’s national bird.
  2. In the year 1963, the Indian Peacock was officially designated as India’s National Bird, recognizing its cultural and ecological significance.
  3. The Indian Peacock is widely distributed throughout India and is well-known to the general public, often seen in various regions of the country.
  4. The Peacock holds theological and mythical significance in Indian traditions and features prominently in ancient Indian art and architecture, showcasing its enduring cultural importance.
  5. In Hinduism, the Peacock is depicted as the vehicle of Lord Indra, the God of Thunder, Rains, and War, further solidifying its religious symbolism.
  6. The Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972 provides comprehensive protection to the Indian Peacock, ensuring its conservation and safeguarding.
  7. Peacocks have long been revered in Hinduism as sacred birds, with Lord Murugan, the son of Lord Shiva, closely associated with the bird.
  8. The diet of Peacocks is omnivorous, and they are adaptable to various environments, including low-elevation grasslands, woods, and human settlements.
  9. According to historical accounts, Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of the Maurya dynasty, was believed to be the son of peacock tamers, known as “Mayura-Poshakha” in Sanskrit.
  10. The conservation status of Peacocks is categorized as “Least Concern” by the IUCN Red List, indicating a relatively stable population and ecological status.

Features and Characteristics National Bird of India

Here are the features and characteristics of the National Bird, the Indian Peacock (Pavo cristatus):

1. Physical Appearance:

  • The Indian Peacock is known for its stunning and vibrant plumage. The male peacock, known as a peafowl, displays an impressive fan-shaped crest of feathers.
  • These feathers exhibit a dazzling array of iridescent colors, including blues, greens, and purples, which change in appearance depending on the angle of light.
  • The male’s tail feathers, known as “train feathers,” are particularly long and ornate.

2. Size:

  • Peacocks are among the largest flying birds globally, with males reaching lengths of up to 6 feet (1.8 meters), including their train feathers.

3. Sexual Dimorphism:

  • One of the striking features of peafowls is their sexual dimorphism. Males (peacocks) are much larger and more colorful than females (peahens).
  • Females have a more subdued appearance with predominantly brown and green plumage.

4. Courtship Display:

  • One of the most remarkable characteristics of peacocks is their elaborate courtship display, especially during the mating season.
  • Males spread their vibrant tail feathers into a fan and engage in a dance, shaking and rattling their feathers to attract females. This display is a visual and auditory spectacle.

5. Habitat:

  • Indian Peafowls are adaptable birds and can be found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, forests, human settlements, and agricultural areas.

6. Diet:

  • Peacocks are omnivorous and feed on a diet that includes grains, seeds, fruits, insects, and small mammals.

7. Cultural Significance:

  • The Indian Peacock holds deep cultural and religious significance in India. It is often associated with Lord Krishna in Hinduism and symbolizes beauty, grace, and divine love.
  • Peacock feathers are used in various religious ceremonies, rituals, and art forms.

8. Conservation Status:

  • The Indian Peafowl is categorized as “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List, indicating a relatively stable population. However, habitat loss and poaching remain concerns for their conservation.

9. National Symbolism:

  • The Indian Peacock was chosen as India’s National Bird in 1963 due to its cultural, religious, and aesthetic significance. It represents the nation’s rich heritage and natural beauty.

10. Protection:

  • Killing or capturing Peacocks is illegal in India, as they are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.

Name the National Bird of India – Location

The majestic peacock, with its distinctive iridescent feathers and beautiful call, can be found throughout the Indian subcontinent, including the regions of Jammu and Kashmir in the north, Assam in the east, and Mizoram in the south. These magnificent birds make their homes in jungle habitats near sources of water, and while they are often seen living wild in India’s forests and fields, they have also been domesticated by humans in some settlements. In times past, peacocks were bred for their meat but this practice is now prohibited by law in India as a means of protecting these elegant creatures from extinction.

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National Bird of India FAQs

The national bird of India is the Indian Peafowl, commonly known as the Peacock.

The Indian Peacock was chosen as the national bird of India in 1963 due to its rich cultural and historical significance in Indian mythology and its widespread presence across the country.

The male Indian Peacock, known as a peacock, is known for its vibrant and iridescent blue and green plumage, along with its striking tail feathers adorned with colorful "eye" markings.

Yes, Indian Peacock are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 in India to conserve their population and habitats.

Indian Peacock have an omnivorous diet, feeding on a variety of foods, including seeds, insects, small mammals, and even snakes.
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