Tattoo by Phil Garcia.

Peacocks are colorful members of the pheasant family. While the term “peacock” is frequently used to refer to both sexes, technically only males are peacocks. Females are peahens, hatchlings are peachicks, and together, they are called peafowl. The blue and green iridescent tails of the male are stunning and beautiful. Their tail feathers, also called coverts, create a train that is more than 60% of the animal’s total body length and can number over 200 colorful “eye” markings in blue, gold, red, and other hues. With the length of its train and wingspan considered, peacocks are one of the largest flying birds.

Peafowl are omnivorous, feeding on insects, plants, and small reptiles. There are three species of peafowl, all of which are thought to have originated in Asia. Indian Peafowl (also known as Blue Peafowl and Common Peafowl) live in India and Sri Lanka. Green Peafowl are found in the tropical forests of southeast Asia. The third is a little-known and distinct species, the Congo Peacock (‘vulnerable’), which inhabits the eastern stretches of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s rainforests.

The Green Peafowl is classified as ‘endangered‘ on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Its status has been uplisted from ‘vulnerable’, which it was prior to 2009. Widespread hunting for meat and feathers, nest poaching, conflict with humans (who view them as crop pests), and a reduction in extent and quality of habitat have been the main factors fueling their decline. Environmental contamination from the use of pesticides and insecticides has also contributed to the demise of this species.

Remember: Tattoos are forever… and so is extinction. To see all of the FANTASTIC art featured on Bush Warriors Tattoo of the Day, and to learn more about this initiative, please click here. You can also share photos of your own wildlife tattoos and enjoy others’ at our Facebook group, Bush Warriors Inked Nation for Conservation.

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