Indian peafowl, Nagarahole National Park, Karnataka, India

© Vivek BR/Shutterstoc

Indian peafowl

Nagarahole National Park, located in the state of Karnataka in south-west India, is a place of unspoiled wilderness, with serene forests, bubbling streams, tranquil lakes and reservoirs. The park gets its name from the snake-like Kabini River, the largest of the park's waterways, which lies to the south and separates it from Bandipur National Park. ‘Naga’ means ‘snake’ and ‘hole’ means ‘stream’ in the Kannada language.

The wildlife reserve is home to elephants, sloth bears, tigers, leopards and over 250 species of birds. Seen among them is the Indian peafowl – commonly called a peacock – which features in our image today. Declared the national bird of India in 1963, it is a colourful, swan-sized bird, with beautiful feathers and a long, slender neck. The bird symbolises flamboyance, royalty and wisdom.