Peacock (Pavo cristatus) aka Blue Peacock, Indian Peacock, the national bird of India. Adult male dustbathing. The male has a long brilliantly-colored train of feathers that grow from its shimmering blue back. He can raise the train of feathers to form a stunning display. The peafowl is prominent in the mythology and folklore of the Indian people. Hindus consider the bird to be sacred because the Kartikeya, the son of the Lord Shiva and Parvati, rides on its back. Range: native to India and Sri Lanka. Jacksonville Zoo, Duval County, Florida.