National Symbols Of India

National Bird

Peacock- National Bird of India

The national bird of India peacock is symbolic of incessant beauty, gracefulness, love and thorough joy. As this bird is part of the Indian culture and receives esteem from various such cultural amalgamation it is well protected by the followers of different religions so do the parliamentary statute advocates for its protection. Peacocks of Indian origin are highly colorful whose size is like a swan bird and having fan-like crest built from feathers covering head. Long slim neck and white patched eye turn it extremely beautiful bird. Color of male peacocks are more impressive then the female peacocks.

Splendid bronze-green colored tail comprising of nearly 200 extended feathers and blue breast of glossy color combination makes male peacock truly exemplary creature. On the other hands, female peacocks don’t have such tails and their colors are brownish. They are a bit smaller than the male peacocks. It is truly once-in-a-lifetime experience to see a male peacock dancing while it fans out tail especially while it shake feathers. Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 protects peacocks in India which is found in almost all parts of the country and is well protected everywhere.

Commonly found in all parts of the Indian subcontinent, peacocks can be seen everywhere in the country whether it is eastern side of the country or east and or the areas nearby the Indus River amongst other. In fact this unimpeachable bird is seen abundantly in the states of Jammu & Kashmir, in the northeastern states like Assam & Mizoram and other parts of the country. The wilds in India welcome peacocks due to best atmosphere as this bird likes to stay in jungle areas and the lands where there is availability of water and most often it is found in the villages where this bird is domesticated too.

A common scene is peacocks getting illustrated in various pictures that showcase Gods and Goddesses in India. It is a scared bird of India which used to be bred or hunted for food once but now the government has banned any such hunting activities. Parliamentary statutes and religious sentiments equally protect this bird hence it is one of the most protected birds today. The Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 gives peacocks complete protection. The far off cultures in the East  Greek & Christian and Ancient Persia amongst others have peacock in their cultures hence it has complete protection everywhere. Although peacock figure is common feature in different Islamic religious architectures this bird mainly symbolizes the 'Resurrection of Christ' in the Christianity religion.

Believers of Hindu religion are well aware of peacock being portrayed as God of thunder, rains and war so is it symbolic of Indra God. It is assumed that rainfall is certain when any peacock starts extending tail in erect position to turn it like a fan which becomes highly impactful demonstration to mesmerize. Such beliefs may not be trusted but the fact is undeniable that there is truth in it. It all happens because once any peacock observes the presence of dark clouds then it starts outspreading the tail so does it involve in the dancing activity that too with graceful dancing rhythm to leave an impact. Many Indian folklores like Bharatha Natyam and local dance forms have fused peacock dance movements for maximum appeal. The image of peacock in southern Indian states is of 'vahana' or vehilce of lord Muruga so does it leave maxim impact with sentiments there.

Features of Peacock

With approximately 5kg or 11 lbs weight and 2.12m or 7.3 ft. length, male peacocks are of the complete fluff breeding. Female peacocks are from peahen species and are approximately 86 cm in length with its common weight not crossing to 3.4 kg or 7.4 lbs in usual cases. Plumage male peacock is always adored in India due to its gleaming blue-green plumage whose feather extensions on back scintillates much. All feathers distinguish with eye shapes it the end portion. On the other hands, all Indian peahens possess the typical feature of dull green and grey color mixture with the shimmering blue to combine for the complete greenish-grey color to offset. This bird is commonly seen in the areas where there is dryness and semi-desert grasslands are usual scenes and so are the brushwood and forests common homes of peacocks where they can find food easily.