Can Peacocks Fly? (All You Need To Know)

Peacocks are large, beautiful birds known for their stunning plumage.They are all categorized under Peacock family, of which there are 3 known species of peafowl. Peacocks are almost always seen walking around and strutting on the ground, as are peacocks, can peacocks really fly?

Peacocks are able to fly, but not for very long periods of time or distances. In fact, it’s rare for a peacock to fly more than a mile (1.6 kilometers). Most of the time, peacocks do not fly unless they are forced to avoid danger and threats, cross obstacles such as rivers, or fly to roost in trees at night.

peacock in flight

How does the peacock fly?

Peacocks have extremely long tails, but this does not affect their ability to fly. They lift off almost vertically to clear treetops up to 8 meters high. Once they are at the right height, they flap their wings quickly and loudly and strongly.

Once in the air, peacocks are very good at avoiding obstacles due to their agility and ability to twist and turn through the air. In flight the tail spreads out into a fan shape. The neck also straightens during flight.

How far can a peacock fly?

Peacocks are large birds that can only fly short distances, usually less than a mile. They have powerful legs, which means they are strong walkers, usually walking 3 to 4 kilometers a day, foraging on the ground rather than flying.

That doesn’t mean they never fly up close for food as they do from time to time, but they generally prefer to walk.

How fast can a peacock fly?

Peacocks are capable of flying at speeds of about 10 mph (16 km/h).

peacock jumping high in the air

At what age can a baby peacock fly?

Technically, baby peacocks can fly from about only a few days old (usually about 3 days old) because their flight feathers develop very early. However, they won’t be inclined to do so in the weeks after that, as they may injure themselves or fall when they are very young.

Can both male and female peacocks fly?

Yes, both peahens and peahens can fly, and with nearly identical abilities and methods.

Why can’t all peacocks fly?

Domestic peacocks tend to clip their wings, which prevents them from flying away. But even with their wings clipped off, peacocks have a pretty incredible ability to jump heights, up to 8 meters.

This means that if you keep peacocks in captivity and want to keep them from escaping, they will need relatively high enclosures to confine them. However, peacocks that are kept in a pen for a short while will quickly learn to come back to roost and feed – however, neighbors may not like them wandering around as they can cause quite a bit of noise and confusion.