Pea cocks/hens at Yala

Pea cocks are respected as the 'Vaahana' of Lord Murugan and are not killed for flesh by the locals. The Dutch used to hunt them for their tasty flesh. The tallow from their fat has a high reputation locally as a healer of broken bones when applied to the fracture site.

A Pea-cock by the road-side, Katharagama.

Pea-cocks are claimed to be the 'vahana' - vehicle, of Lord Katharagama - Lord Murugan. Thus they are left alone. Their beautiful feathers are a prized possesion.