Dozens of wild green peafowl appeared to forage at a temple in Thailand.

The muster of colourful birds appeared at the Wat Tham Thep Nimit in Phayao province, signalling the approach of the cold season on November 6.

Temple staff have installed shade netting to allow tourists to observe the avians without disturbing them.

Temple abbot Phra Sriprai Khemaphirato said: 'Wat Tham Thep Nimit is dedicated to green peafowl conservation and is currently the only tourist destination and breeding source for the species in Phayao. 

'The temple has prepared a designated spot for tourists to observe them, with food such as corn placed to lure them closer.'

Green peafowl are native to the tropical forests of Southeast Asia and Indochina, and are known for their striking iridescent green and blue plumage. 

Once common throughout Southeast Asia, the species now has only a few isolated populations remaining in Cambodia and adjacent areas of Vietnam. They typically inhabit a wide range of habitats, including forests, grasslands, savannas, scrublands, and the edges of farmlands.

However, the species is listed as endangered in the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List for widespread hunting of their meat and feathers, and the destruction of their habitats due to human encroachment.