Peafowl

The peafowl (Pavo cristatus), also known as the common or Indian peafowl, is not native to Australia but a species from India which was brought to Australia during the colonial period by the British.

Peafowl are a beautiful bird to observe in the right environment, however birds that have escaped captivity or been deliberately released into the wild can be very disruptive to residential communities. 

These large birds like to roost on rooftops and cars or other backyard items and have a very loud distinctive call. Local populations can increase quickly where they are provided with a variety of food sources, including being fed by residents. 

Reducing peafowl conflicts

Residents are requested not to feed peafowl, as this can attract them into residential areas where they can cause noise nuisance and damage to property, such as rooftops and cars.

In some circumstances, Council will undertake a monitoring program of peafowl numbers and if required, some birds will be captured and relocated via the RSPCA.

Keeping peafowl

Peafowl are not prohibited or restricted invasive animals under the Biosecurity Act 2014, however there are regulations to keeping peafowl in the Moreton Bay Region.

Local Law 2 Animal Management and Subordinate Local Law define minimum standards for the keeping and control of animals. Peafowl can only be kept on properties 20,001 square metres or greater with a maximum of 10 peafowl being kept in a way that does not cause a noise, smell or wandering nuisance to others. View the fact sheet(PDF, 893KB) for more information.