Cameo Peafowl: Habitat, Characteristics, and Successful Breeding Strategies

Everything you need to know about Cameo Peafowl

 When we think of peacocks, we often imagine a beautiful bird with vibrant green and blue feathers, creating a mesmerizing sight when they spread their plumage. However, there is a unique breed called the Cameo Peafowl that stands out due to its distinct color. Unlike other peafowls, these birds have creamy and chocolaty brown feathers. While the Cameo Peacock may differ from other breeds, each peacock breed showcases its own appealing and distinctive colors.

Now, many of you may not be familiar with the cameo peacock, which has a less vibrant color compared to others. That's why I have gathered comprehensive information about this breed and will share all the fascinating details with you. We will explore every aspect of this remarkable bird species. So, without further ado, let's dive in and learn more about the cameo peacock.

The Origin of Cameo Peacock:

The Cameo peacock came to be through a color mutation. It was discovered alongside the mutation of the white peacock. This unique breed has been known worldwide for a long time and was first identified by a zoologist breeder named Oscar Mulloy in the 1960s. Over time, it was further developed and improved by Waycott, Dennis Cook, and Cram.

Coloration of Cameo Peacock:

The color of the Cameo peacock can vary throughout the seasons. When the season begins, it has dark brown feathers. However, during the molting season, it loses some feathers, and the sun gradually lightens its color, giving it a coffee milk-like shade. Interestingly, the color of the neck remains the same even during molting. The train of the Cameo peacock has darker colors compared to its wings. The eye-like spot, known as ocelli, on its tail feathers has different shades but doesn't change color when viewed from different angles.

Coloration of Cameo Peahen:

The female Cameo peacocks, known as peahens, have distinct differences in their appearance compared to the males. They have light-colored feathers, displaying a creamy brown hue. The neck of the female Cameo peacock is dark brown, while the back and breast feature lighter shades of brown.=

Coloration of Cameo Peachick:

The chicks of the Cameo peafowl are similar to those of other breeds but with slightly lighter coloration, appearing creamy brown in appearance.

Diet of Cameo Peafowl:

The diet of the cameo peafowl is quite flexible. As omnivores, they eat a wide variety of food. They enjoy eating seeds, fruits, insects, small mammals, and reptiles.

In their natural habitat, peafowls search for food on the ground and in trees. They eat different types of seeds like grasses, grains, and legumes. They also munch on various fruits and berries. Additionally, they have a taste for insects such as ants and grasshoppers, as well as small animals like lizards and snakes.

In captive settings or when kept as pets, peacocks are fed a diet of commercial poultry feed. Their diet is supplemented with oats, corn, cooked rice, cheese, fruits, and vegetables such as leafy greens, tomatoes, broccoli, carrots, peas, beans, and beets. They also enjoy live insects like larvae found in granaries. Sometimes, they even eat cat food. It is important to provide them with a balanced diet to ensure their health and well-being.

Size of Cameo Peacock & Peahen:

The male Cameo peacock is larger in size compared to the female. Males usually weigh between 5 to 6 kg, while females weigh around 2 to 3 kg.

Weight of Cameo Peacock & Peahen:

The male Cameo peacock is bigger in size than the female. The male can grow up to a height of 1.5 meters, including the tail, while the female is generally slightly smaller, reaching a height of around 1 meter.

Lifespan:

Cameo peafowls have an average lifespan of about 15 years in the wild and up to 20 years in captivity. In the wild, they face threats from predators like foxes, snakes, and birds of prey, as well as habitat loss.

Cameo Peafowl Clutch Size:

A clutch of peafowl eggs usually contains 6 to 8 eggs, and the incubation period lasts approximately 28 days. Both male and female peafowls take turns incubating the eggs, with the male often staying close to protect the nest.

A female Cameo peafowl can produce up to 3 clutches per year. However, if she raises the chicks herself, she will only produce one clutch. The eggs yield an equal number of male and female peachicks. For example, if there are 3 eggs in a clutch, there will be 1 male and 1 female Cameo peafowl.

Habitat:

Cameo peacocks can be found in various habitats, including forests, grasslands, and agricultural lands. However, they are more commonly seen in public farms where they are bred, reproduced, and sold. Many breeders specifically choose this species for selling purposes and can fetch a good price for them.

Is Cameo Peafowl a True Breed?

Yes, the Cameo peafowl is considered a true breed. This means that if two cameo peafowls are bred together, their offspring will always be cameo peafowls. However, if a female cameo peahen is crossed with an Indian peacock, the resulting offspring will be a different breed.

Closing Thoughts:

In conclusion, the Cameo peacock is a captivating and stunning bird that has fascinated people for centuries with its unique and remarkable appearance. I hpe that this post has provided you with all the information you need to know about the characteristics and aspects of the cameo peacock.