Riverine forest at the Rapti river. Because of their easy accessibility near the river these forests are mostly heavy influenced by humans. Mature riverine forests are often dense with a great variety of trees, shrubs, figs and orchids. In spring many trees are covered with beautiful flowers. At the forest floor the red jungle fowl can be often seen. It is the ancestor of all domestic chicken races. Especially the males with their glistening colored plumage attract the attention. In contrast to the males the plain brown colored females are only seldom seen. Mornings by fog the peafowl feeds at the meadows near the river. Very impressive are the mating dance of the males. The peacocks have the ability to foretell rain and they perform dancing at the first appearance of clouds. No wonder, that this beautiful bird was chosen to be the national bird of India.