Peacock
Sounds & Calls

Male Indian Peafowl [Peacock] (Pavo cristatus)

Male Indian Peafowl [Peacock] (Pavo cristatus)

The Indian Peafowl (Pavo cristatus) is a large species of bird from the family Phasianidae and is native to the Indian subcontinent. Indian Peafowl are often colloquially referred to as ‘peacock’, although more correctly the male bird is the ‘peacock’ and the female the ‘peahen’.

Peacocks are well-known for their elaborate display where the male raised his long train into a colourful fan with striking eyespots. He quivers the colourful feathers in a dazzling performance to attract the female.

What does a peacock sound like? Indian Peafowl make loud crowing wailing calls. These sounds carry for a long distances through their forest home. Other peacock sounds include a variety of trumpet-like honks, often given in alarm, as well as crying ‘meow’ calls. They are a noisy species and can often be heard calling at night.

Listen to some examples of peacock sounds below.

Listen to Peacock Sounds

The audio in the video below features a variety of commonly-heard peacock sounds. These were recorded in Bardiya National Park, Nepal.