Bird Guide

Indian Peafowl vs Ruffed Grouse

Indian Peafowl (Pavo cristatus)

Indian Peafowl

Pavo cristatus

Huge4.2 kgForest

The Indian peafowl's size, color and shape of the crest make them easily identifiable within their native distribution range. It displays a marked form of sexual dimorphism. A male peafowl or peacock is a larger sized bird with an average bill to tail length of 100–120 cm (40–46 in) and as much as 200–230 cm (78–90 in) to the end of a fully grown train. It weighs 4.1–5.2 kg (9–11.5 lb) and is amongst the heaviest birds in Phasianidae. The male has a metallic blue crown with short and curled, blue-greenish head feathers.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Recording: Kalle Nibbenhagen · CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Павлик Лисицын · CC BY 4.0
Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus)

Ruffed Grouse

Bonasa umbellus

Large531 gShrubland

Ruffed grouse are chunky, medium-sized birds that weigh from 450–750 g (0.99–1.65 lb), measure from 40 to 50 cm (16 to 20 in) in length, and span 50–64 cm (20–25 in) across their short, strong wings. They have two distinct morphs - grey and brown. In the grey morph, the head, neck, and back are grey-brown; the breast is light with barring, with as much white on the underside and flanks. Overall, the birds have a variegated appearance; the throat is often distinctly lighter. The tail is essentially the same brownish grey, with regular barring and a broad black band near the end ("subterminal").

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Recording: Jonathon Jongsma · CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Noah Poropat · CC BY 4.0

Where you might meet both

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Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Indian Peafowl and Ruffed Grouse.