In a suspected case of poisoning, at least 16 peacocks were found dead in a farm on the outskirts of Coimbatore.
Rice was seen scattered in the farm with local residents suspecting that it could be a case of poisoning since the birds cause damage to crops.
"In farm near the river, we saw at least 16 peacocks lying dead. We used to see these birds daily here while returning from work but today we saw them lying dead. There is rice scattered on the ground near the carcasses of the birds," said a resident Ramanathan.
The villagers informed the forest officials about the incident.
Poaching of peacocks for their meat and feathers and accidental poisoning by feeding on pesticide treated seeds are known threats to wild birds.