CHAPTER IX 



PEAFOWL, GUINEA-FOWL AND QUAIL 



Peafowl 



The peafowl belong to the same family (PHASiANiDiE) as 

 the pheasants, from which they differ in no important char- 

 acters. Their most striking feature is the long train, which, 

 by the way, is formed by the upper tail coverts and not by 

 the tail proper. 



There are two species, the most common of which is the 

 Indian Peafowl (Pavo cristatus). This bird is a native 

 of India and Ceylon. Although accustomed to a tropical 

 climate, its hardiness is truly remarkable, for no degree of 

 cold seems to affect it. The writer has repeatedly seen 

 birds, after a frosty night spent on a lofty bough, shake 

 the heavy snow from their backs and scale smoothly to the 

 ground, with as little concern as though the scene were the 

 forests of Ceylon. 



Little provision, then, is necessary for the housing of pea- 

 fowl. If they must be kept confined, the run should be as 

 large as possible and well grassed, for these birds will not 

 thrive in small quarters. Under such circumstances, it is 

 better to have a shelter of some sort to cover the bird's 

 roosting-place. 



Peafowl are much better at liberty, and if possible should 

 be allowed to enjoy it. If kept confined for a few days in 

 a wire pen, a newly acquired pair may be let go, with rea- 

 sonable assurartce that they will not stray. Some individ- 

 uals, however, are peculiarly persistent in this respect, and 

 it may be necessary to let only the cock go at first, keep- 



