Indian peafowl (Pavo cristata) historically occur in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, southern Pakistan and India. However, they may now be extinct in Bangladesh. In their native range, Indian peafowl primarily live in forest areas. Indian peafowl in southern India are found in riparian areas -- or near river banks -- and agricultural environments. These birds also live in the southern Himalayan Mountains. Most of the Indian peacock's plumage is blue, except for its tail feathers; Indian peahens have brown plumage with white-feathered bellies.
The Congo Peafowl (Afropavo congensis) is found in tropical rainforests in Africa's Congo River Basin, which includes areas in Zaire, also known as Democratic Republic of the Congo. These birds live on the forest floor of the rainforests. Congo peacocks have dark blue feathers on their bodies, while Congo peahens have chestnut-brown chests and green backs. The tail feathers of Congo peacocks are shorter than Indian and Java green peafowl tails. Congo peafowl are the most recently discovered peafowl species; their existence was not known until the 1930s.
The Java green peafowl's (Pavo muticus) historic range included south China, Vietnam, India, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Bangladesh, Malaysia and Java Island. However, Java greens are now extinct in India and Bangladesh. Also, the International Union for Conservation of Nature lists this peafowl species as endangered due to habitat decline. Similarly to Congo and Indian peafowls, the Java green specimens primarily dwell on the ground underneath jungle trees. Java green peacocks differ from Indian peafowls since they have bluish-green feathers, rather than dark blue. These birds possess a slight crook in their necks and longer legs than other peafowls.
Peafowl have been domesticated for thousands of years due to the beauty of their plumage. In captivity, peafowl have been subject to selective breeding. While they do not attack humans, peafowl do not get along with other birds. The Indian peafowl is the national bird of India, and its status as a sacred animal has ensured its survival. In the Hindu religion, peafowl are sacred since Hindu followers believe the god Kartikeya rides upon their backs. Legends in Ancient India also suggest peafowl have the ability to charm snakes.