Nitrox, peacocks are fairly common in the Thar Desert along the Indian border,i've seen plenty of them in the desert.They do fly but for short distances only and are found sitting on trees or roof tops.This bird is revered by the Indians(hindus)and to shoot one is a sacrilage.It's feathers are used to sweep the floor of the temples and also decoration.On one of my hunts in the Thar i was tempted to shoot one but was stopped by our Rangers guide as it would have created a law and order problem as the population consists of hindus.I was however told that the meat is delicious especially of a young bird.Later on a different occasion i did bag a young bird and really the meat was delicious.
A lot of people around here,ones with big lawns,have them as pets but according to a myth this bird is a harbinger of bad luck and as such is not to be kept as a pet.I may also add that the peacocks favourite food is snakes.