They were, no doubt, shot for their feathers, so stupid really when they give away their tail feathers every autumn, strewing them around the paddocks there for anyone to pick up. People and peacocks have had a very long association. For over 4,000 years they have been a colourful and graceful sight around Indian temples, where they were worshipped for their ability to fend off snakes and bad luck. Today, Indian peafowl congregate safely near villages and shrines where they are still protected by sacred Hindu law. Elsewhere in India they are hunted for food and feathers even though they are India's national bird.
Indian folklore has it that the peacock's cry forecasts rain.
Peafowl belong to the family Galliformes, which include pheasants, quail, grouse, turkeys and Guinea fowl. Peafowls are among the largest Galliformes. It is a common misconception that the peacock's train is made of very long tail feathers. The tail feathers are the short, stiff quills that stand up behind the coverts to hold the fan aloft. Because the coverts are different lengths, the exotic eyespots at the end of each covert appear to be scattered about the fan.