Being one of the most beautiful birds in the world and a native of the Indian sub-continent it is not strange that the peacock was chosen to be the national bird of the world's largest democracy. In India the peacock can roam free as it is revered as the symbol of Lord Krishna. This fact is the reason that in forest bordering fields and villages these birds may eat out of your hands. An interesting fact is that the mating season of the peacock coincides with the monsoon season of the sub-continent. During this time both male and female utter loud meowing call. The Indians interpret these calls as "minh-ao" which means "there will be rain". Peacocks tend to call more frequently before imminent thunderstorms.