The Peacock's Tale: Documentation of Our National Bird
I have spent over a decade observing and photographing the life of India's national bird. From the vibrant courtship dance in the wild to the intricate details of their moult, these images capture the real story behind our national icon.
A very rare moment captured in the heart of Delhi in 2015. I have been photographing peacocks for over a decade, but a moment like this, with its wings spread in perfect symmetry, comes very rarely. It is a testament to the beauty that can be found even in our cities.
This fight between two peacocks reminds me of a great tennis match between two legends. It is a clash for territory, full of energy and power. I captured this in the wilderness of Delhi, where these birds display their strength and determination during the breeding season.
Viewers often tell me this is a rare picture because they usually see the peacock dancing. This photograph was taken just as the peacock raised its tail feathers to form the beautiful fan. The angle of the shot brought out the intense, original colours of its plumage.
The beauty of the peacock is in its feathers. Here, you can see the different types of feathers on display as he gets ready for his courtship dance. Each feather, from the long train to the body plumage, has its own unique texture and colour, making it one of the most beautiful birds in the world.
We usually enjoy the peacock from the front, but have you ever seen it from the back? When the sun's rays illuminate its feathers from behind at a certain angle, it creates a shining, almost magical effect. It shows that there is hidden beauty in looking at things from a different perspective.
A flight in style by our National Bird. A viewer once called this a "designer aircraft in flight," and I think it is a perfect description. I took this picture in 2016 on the outskirts of my hometown, Palwal, showing the grace of the peacock even when it flies.
This is the peacock's dance, filmed in Delhi as the breeding season was coming to an end. Even with the season almost over, the male puts on a magnificent display, shaking his train and showing his fitness to any nearby peahens. It is a ritual I never get tired of watching.
Here, the peacock is calling for his life partner. His lonely call echoes through the forest, a sound that is both beautiful and full of longing. It reminds me of an old Hindi song, "Akele Hain Chale Aao," where the singer is calling for his beloved.
Sometimes, a peacock will open his beautiful train for a peahen who is not interested. In such a situation, he will often show his dance to other birds nearby, like these common mynas. It is a funny and charming sight to see these little birds enjoying the grand display.
The landing of this peacock reminds me of the mythological bird Garuda, the carrier of Lord Vishnu. With its wings spread and new feathers shining, it looks truly wonderful. This is how the peacock shows its grace and power, even in a simple act like landing.
About The Peacock's Tale: Our National Bird
I have spent years watching and documenting the actual behaviour of the Indian Peacock, often sitting for days to capture specific moments like their courtship dance or the shedding of their feathers. When you choose a print from this collection, you are not just getting a photograph, but a scientifically accurate piece of our national heritage, complete with the verified backstory of that moment in the field.
My approach to photography is simple: I watch, I wait, and I document. People often have many misconceptions about our national bird, particularly regarding their reproduction. I have filmed and photographed their mating rituals to show the truth to the world. Each image you see here is not just about the beauty of the feathers; it is about the behaviour of the bird.
The Collection
Whether you are looking for a statement piece for your home or a high-resolution file for publication, my work is available in multiple formats. I offer museum-grade Giclée prints on 250+ GSM cotton rag paper, which are personally hand-signed and come with a certificate of authenticity. These prints are archival, meaning they will not fade for 75+ years, making them ideal for long-term display.
Cultural Connection
For me, nature is deeply connected to our culture. Seeing a peacock in flight often reminds me of the mythological bird Garuda, while their dance feels like a prayer. I aim to capture these moments in locations as diverse as the outskirts of Palwal and the green pockets of Delhi. When you own one of these prints, you own a piece of that story, a moment where the wild meets our heritage.
Vinod Goel
I am a retired civil servant who swapped a government desk for a camera. My work is about showing the truth behind our national bird, from the beauty of their plumage to the reality of their mating rituals in the wild.
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