Roosting and nesting habits of free ranging Indian Peafowl (Pavo cristatus) in southern Tamil Nadu

Abstract

Roosting and nesting habits of free ranging Indian Peafowl (Pavo cristatus) were studied for a period of one year in southern Tamil Nadu. Peacocks were observed to be both solitary and communal roosters while the peahens were observed to have only communal roosting habits. Peafowls were observed to roost when the light intensity of the habitat dropped below 8 lux. Various tree species used by the peafowl for roosting are presented along with a note on nesting season, nesting preference and clutch size. In Tirunelveli, December to March was found to be the nesting season with the peahens preferring Prosopis bushes. The observed clutch size (mean) was 4.4.